For copyright and disclaimers, please see chapter one.
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3 – Week One, Third Year
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Wednesday, August 30, 2000:
Airborne, west of Iceland: 07:51 (GMT-1)
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The private jet leveled off after refueling, the seatbelt light 'dinging' off. Julie flipped open hers, asking, "All right. I'd like to get the dirt on what we're facing for classes."
The Cortez twins broke off their quiet conversation in Spanish with Tomas, saying, "Why don't we start with the houses? At least you'll have an idea of what each is like."
"Reasonable," Connie Koslowski said. "First of all, Mattie and I are in Slytherin, the twins in Ravenclaw, and Arthur's in Hufflepuff. That means we can bash Gryffindor first!" she grinned.
"A quick overview," Arthur said, "is the Gryffs are the athletes, the white knights, the 'Claws are the mad scientists, the brainy researchers, the Slythies are the manipulators, the politicians, and the Huffies like me are the loyal, hardworking types. We're also the catch-all house, if the Hat doesn't think you fit anywhere else, he'll put you there."
"Call the Hat by his name, Alastair, he'll be pleased," Mattie said. "If you really want a house, he'll put you there, but not just because a friend or relative is there," she warned. "He has split up siblings before, so Julie or Tomas might wind up in different houses than Arthur or I."
"There's really only two places where that matters," one of the twins said. "Pranks and Quidditch."
"Pranks I can understand, seniorita, the jokes, but what is Quidditch?" Tomas asked.
"Quidditch is the wizarding sport," Connie said, "it's definitely popular, each house fields a team. Professor Harry will explain it better, but think of midair basketball for now."
"One reason there's intense competition is the points your team scores count toward the House Cup, which gives your house bragging rights," the other twin said."
"That's all well and good for the sports nuts here," Arthur commented. "For the rest of us, there's a gym Hufflepuff refurbished, with a weight set and basketball hoops, and Miss Wayne over there teaches martial arts on Sunday afternoons."
"The instructors will award and dock points in class, too," the other twin said. "We get a lot of points for always knowing the answers."
"Speaking of classes, what are the instructors like?" Julie asked.
"McGonagall was the head of Gryffindor and the Transfiguration professor, she took over for Dumbledore as Headmistress when he retired," Arthur said. "She was known as strict but fair, a Scottish nationalist, and a Quidditch fanatic. However, the new Transfig professor is Cho Chang, all any of us know about her is that she was a Ravenclaw, a seeker on their Quidditch team, and is only five or six years older than we are."
"She was known as a rather quiet girl according to the older students in our house," one of the twins said. "A genius with a wand, maybe she can get Mattie's Transfig grades up."
Mattie groaned, "Thank you very much for that vote of confidence," she said. "Another professor is Harry Potter. He's the closest thing the wizarding world has to a superhero, so be prepared for wizards to act like he walks on water."
"I've had my differences with him in the past," Arthur said, and the twins and Mattie snorted, "but he's a fairly young guy, early twenties, very casual, the kind that always has his tie halfway down and his sleeves pushed up."
"He's also an extremely powerful wizard," Connie said. "He never seems to get mad, which is a good thing. He's also the new head of Gryffindor, the Defense instructor, the flying instructor and Quidditch referee. If they keep the same schedule, you'll have him Friday mornings for Defense, and then Friday afternoons for flying lessons."
Mattie clarified, "He teaches regular classes in magical defense, I teach whoever shows up in the Martial Arts." Tomas nodded.
"Who's next?" Arthur mused. "History is now taught by Professor Lupin instead of Binns," there was a mild cheer, "Binns was the only ghost instructor, and he was deadly dull. People either slept or did homework in his class, and he hadn't changed his syllabus since before he died. One other thing, Lupin's a werewolf, so expect a day or two's absence around the full moon."
"Werewolf?" Tomas said. "They exist?"
Connie nodded, "They do, and they are dangerous without their potion, but otherwise they're just like you and me."
"There's a 'wolf in every house, and as a word of advice, my best mate is one," Mattie said. "Moving on..."
"Moving on, the new Deputy Headmistress is Callista Vector," Connie said. "She's a fellow Slythie, and teaches Arithmancy. That's third year and up, and she's also what the guys would call a babe," she said, rolling her eyes.
"Blonde, blue eyes, young, fit, naa, not attractive at all..." Arthur joked, and Julie swatted his arm. "Help me out, Tomas!" he cried.
"Senor, you are on your own," he said, "Who else?"
"We can't forget Potions," a twin said, "The ever-pleasant Professor Snape."
"Hey!" Connie and Mattie said. "You just don't know him like we do."
"Spare me," Arthur said. "Professor Snape's class is passable if you pay meticulous attention to detail, follow instructions precisely, and can survive his assumption that all students are dunderheads until they prove otherwise."
"That goes double if you're sorted into Gryffindor," a twin said. "He will tell you his opinion, and he doesn't give a damn about hurt feelings. The highest I've ever heard him praise someone is Mattie, who said she was 'adequate'."
"There are eight Potion Masters in Great Britain," Mattie said. "There's maybe seventy worldwide. This is the equivalent of being taught by a Nobel Prize winner, so from that perspective, it's understandable. 'Adequate' is to his standards, so it's definitely praise." She shifted in her seat as the jet rocked a bit. "He's also the head of Slytherin. The Heads of House act in loco parentis, as your parents away from home, so you can go to them for help and advice, just like your mom or dad." Her eyes flicked to Tomas.
"Professor Flitwick is the Head of Ravenclaw," a twin said. "He's short, about three feet tall, and I think in his eighties or so. He teaches Charms, and he's been trying to help Mattie," she snorted, "Not that it's done much good."
"Hey, what is this, 'Dump on Mattie Day'?" she complained. "Flitwick is like the jolly older uncle, he's never down, always cheerful, on a perpetual sugar high."
Tomas was thinking, "There is one other house," he asked.
"Hufflepuff and Professor Sprout," Connie said. "Professor Sprout teaches Herbology, so she's like the grandma that's always digging in the garden, she can never get all of the dirt off. She's in her sixties or so, and is the kind to give you cookies and fudge when she's chewing you out."
"She bakes those herself," Arthur mentioned. "Mom's new oatmeal cookie recipe came from Professor Sprout," he told his sister.
"Good reason for a gym," a twin said. "Who's left?"
"Ancient Runes," her sister said. "Professor Lara Croft is another Ravenclaw, and next to Professor Harry, one of the most muggle professors. I think she's the only other one that knows how to drive a car. Runes are the old hieroglyphs and things found on old tombs and such, and she's also a babe."
"Mid twenties, a very healthy chest, long brown braided hair, yeah, the guys keep an eye on her," Connie said. "In contrast, there's Hagrid."
"Ah, Hagrid," Mattie mused. "He's a Gryffindor, Magical Creatures professor and Keeper of the Keys. Wonderful fellow, half giant so he's about eight feet tall and covered with hair, but his heart is as big as he is. I'm looking forward to his class."
"You signed up for it?" Arthur said in shock. Mattie shrugged.
"Hagrid's ideas for 'cute and cuddly' are three-headed dogs, harpies, and fire-breathing dragons," a twin said, shaking her head, "I'll bet you're the only Slythie there, that's definitely a Gryff class."
"Hey, I room with a werewolf," she grinned, "Anyone else taking Astronomy?" Mattie asked. "I've got some toys for Professor Sinistra she should enjoy."
"I'll bet," Arthur said, winking at his sister. "Who's left?"
"Trelawney, that great fraud," Mattie said. "She kept her job teaching Divination, but it's no longer mandatory, thank the Source."
"Don't you mean 'The Force'?" Connie asked with a giggle.
"Nope, I'll teach you a few tricks I learned on my summer vacation this weekend," Mattie said. "Anyone left?"
"Carstairs, the Muggle Studies professor," Arthur said. "From what my housemates say, she's a bigot who thinks Voldie didn't go far enough. Thank God I didn't sign up for her class."
Mattie's face paled, "Sprink wanted to take it, so I agreed to also. We're probably going to be the only two Slythies there."
"See if there's any way you can get out of it," a twin said. "Given your relations with Miss Malfoy, they'd go together like mother and daughter." Connie winced.
"Miss Malfoy?" Julie asked.
"See what happens when you don't talk to family, Arthur?" Mattie jibed. "This happened last year. Miss Lucille Malfoy is, or was, Lucius Malfoy before a disguise spell misfired on him, making his gender switch permanent."
Connie took up the story, "She was impersonating me for most of last year, until..."
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Wednesday, August 30, 2000:
London, Gatwick Airport, Queen's Customs: 09:56 (GMT)
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Julie waited on line with the others, while the Customs officer talked to Connie. With a wave, she cleared, and the officer waved her forward with a "G'day, lass. Passport please, and what brings you over?"
"School, sir," she said as she offered her passport. "I came over to see during the Holidays, and made up my mind then."
"British schools are the finest in the world," he agreed. "I'm glad to see a Yank on this side of the Pond. Pop your trunk up here, lass, and we'll have a look." With a grunt, Julie levered it up and unlocked it, holding her breath.
"Uniforms, textbooks, I don't see anything strange here," he said, slapping a paper seal on it and stamping her passport. Julie blinked as he said, "Have a lovely stay, m'dear, and welcome to the United Kingdom. Next?" he asked Arthur as Julie scampered past the line, into the UK.
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'Professor Croft must be a witch' Julie mused, watching the guys' reactions. 'She has to use magic somehow, with that figure,' and had a flash of jealousy. 'I wonder if I'll look like that' she wondered as Arthur loaded her trunk into the van.
"Right-o," Professor Croft said from behind the wheel. "Next stop, the Cauldron."
"Hello, there," Mr. Dumbledore said. "We're a bit full up with the start of term this weekend, I hope you don't mind sharing a room."
Mattie glanced at the others, "I don't, professor."
"Capital!" he said. "Ladies and gentlemen in separate rooms, of course, dinner is in an hour, so you've time to freshen up."
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Friday, September 1, 2000:
London, Kings Cross, platform 9 ¾: 10:45
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Mattie watched with a grin as Julie ran through the solid brick wall, Tomas following her a minute later. "Wow, that's amazing…" Julie breathed, Arthur smirking.
"Wait till you start classes Monday," Mattie advised. "If they keep the same schedule, that's Herbology, your brother's worst subject."
"Says the witch who's blown her Transfiguration final two years in a row," Arthur snorted.
Mattie sneered, "I managed to scrape out an 'Acceptable' this last year, thank you very much."
"You're welcome, Miss Wayne," Arthur sneered back, when someone called "Remus!" People turned to watch a fellow being hugged by a redheaded witch, with a large black panther sitting next to her, pink tongue lolling over his fangs.
"Mattie! Arthur!" Sprink called, followed by Felicia. Mattie hugged them, asking, "How was Ireland?"
"Cold an' wet, same as Scotland. Didya know Felicia got her first job?"
"No! Tell us about it!"
"It wasn't much, just office help at McKinnon Distillers," Felicia began, when the train whistle blew. Arthur levitated his sister's trunk, saying, "That's the ten minute warning. Felicia, this is my sister Julie, this is her first year."
"Welcome to Hogwarts," Felicia said hesitantly, shaking her hand. "I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time."
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"First years?" Arthur asked as he opened the door to a compartment. They nodded, and he levitated Julie's trunk in. He awkwardly hugged his sister, adding, "You saw where the twins went, three doors up and to the left? That's where I'll be if you need me; change into your uniform after the witch goes by with the trolley."
"I'll be fine, Arthur," Julie said. "Thanks for taking care of my trunk. Go on now; catch up with your friends. Shoo!" She waved, and closed the door, grinning and saying, "Older brothers!"
"Older sisters are just as bad with their little brothers," a blond fellow said. "Kent Bundy, my sister's a seventh-year, AND Quidditch captain. Any idea what we have to do for the Sorting? My sister Karen wouldn't say."
"Neither would Arthur or ANY of his friends," Julie pouted, before adding, "Julie Morton, and this is Tomas Ramirez. Any idea which house we'll be in?"
"My family's been Slytherin for ages," Kent said. "With my luck, I'll be the first Gryffindor. You're both Yanks, right?" Julie nodded, and he asked, "Why didn't you go to Salem?"
"I was able to go to Hogwarts for a visit at Christmas, and got a chance to see the place then," Julie replied, "Besides, the family trust says I have to come here. Besides, I thought Salem was just, I don't know, creepy." She turned to look at the brunette, "What about you?"
"Ami Bones, and yes, that's my aunt." Julie raised an eyebrow, and Ami explained as she took a seat, "You're a Yank, so you wouldn't know. My Aunt was head of DMLE before Fudge forced her out, and for what it's worth, neither she nor my cousin Susan would tell me what the Sorting ceremony is like. Susan, by the by, was Quidditch captain for Hufflepuff. Probably where I'll be," she sighed.
"What's wrong with Hufflepuff? That's where my brother is," Julie asked.
"It's the reject house, it's where you go if you're not courageous enough for Gryffindor or smart enough for Ravenclaw," Kent said.
"Or sneaky enough for Slytherin," Ami added. "The regular, everyday, boring kids go in Hufflepuff, although they did pull off an upset to win the House cup two years ago." She sighed again, "It's where my family's been for ages."
"Trade you for Slytherin," Kent said. "If you're a member of the Snake's Den, people look at you funny, that's where You-Know-Who was from."
"But… I'm confused. Mattie's in Slytherin, she's a good kid," Julie said, and Kent snorted, "So is my sister, but that's the reputation."
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Friday, September 1, 2000:
Hogwarts Express, northbound: 16:45
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The train corridor was busy, with young witches and wizards making last minute stops in the loo and conversing with friends from other compartments. Mattie waited until an older student left the loo, slipping in and looking at the other witch. "Malfoy," she said.
"Mudblood," the icy blonde sneered as Mattie turned to enter a stall. She turned and wrenched open the door as Mattie was about to sit, shouting 'Chronos ...' as the scream of brakes sounded. With a flash of golden light, Mattie disappeared, Lucille Malfoy smirking as she cast 'Follicus Extensis' on the floor, as the room shifted with the train's deceleration. With a last glance in the mirror, the blonde witch left the compartment vacant.
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Thursday, September 1, 1379:
Scotland, Hogwarts carriage house: 16:45
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The last few arriving students were handing over their mounts to the grooms when a pinpoint of golden fire appeared, expanding, then dropping a raven haired girl in a short grey skirt to the muddy ground with a crash. As one groomsman checked her, the others settled the horses. "She's alive!" he called. "Best get her up to the castle." He gently laid her in the back of a wagon, the clucked to the horse as he led her out into the rain.
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Friday, September 1, 2000:
Hogsmeade station: 17:00
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"Firs' years over here!" Hagrid called, "Firs' years over here!"
"Hello, Mr. Hagrid," Julie said. "Mattie said she's looking forward to your class."
"She did, did she?" the huge man said, delighted. "We got a few special treats f' her this year," he confided. "Y' would be?"
"Julie Morton," she said, "This is Mattie's brother, Tomas Ramirez."
"D'lighted to meet ye!" Hagrid boomed, shaking their hands. "Mr. Ramirez, I was sorry t' hear abou' yer mum. Now stay close, we'll be leavin' for the castle shortly."
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Hagrid did a quick head count, saying, "Righ' now. F'llow me, up one more flight, an' ye'll be met. G'luck with your stay a' Hogwarts."
A blonde witch in sky blue robes waited for the nervous firsties. "Good evening. I am Deputy Headmistress Vector. In a moment, I will take you to be sorted into one of four houses, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. Your house is your family while you are at Hogwarts, good grades and following the rules will gain points, while misbehavior and rule breaking will cost points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will win the House cup." She favored them with a glance, "You have a minute to straighten up. I suggest you do so." She left them, walking through the anteroom, and getting Minerva's nod.
Julie straightened Tomas' collar, asking, "How do I look?"
He smiled weakly, "As nervous as I am."
Vector reappeared silently. "If everyone is ready, please follow me," opening the doors to the Great Hall, leading the line of nervous firsties.
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Friday, September 1, 2000:
Hogwarts, Great Hall: 17:33
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"Morton, Julia!"
Julie took a breath as she walked between the tables, her brother giving her hand a brief squeeze as she passed. Smoothing her skirt, the Sorting Hat was lowered over her eyes.
"Hello, Miss Morton, and welcome to Hogwarts. A bit like your brother, I see."
"Hello, Mr. Alastair. How do you mean, I'm like Arthur? And… you're reading my mind?"
"Why, yes, how else do you expect me to sort you?" The Hat sighed, "Not another Occlumens like Miss Wayne, thank Merlin. She was most difficult to Sort, set a school record. Now then, where shall I put you?"
"Yes, Mattie told me to say hi. Could I go with Arthur?"
"Not if that's the best reason you can give me, dear. I have been Sorting people and reading minds for over a thousand years. Hmm. Yes, I think you'd be best off in GRYFFINDOR!"
The Hat was pulled off Julie's head; she blinked and headed to the cheering table against the far wall.
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"Ramirez, Tomas!"
"Hello, Mr. Ramirez," the Hat said. "Welcome to Hogwarts."
"Gracias, Senor Alastair," Tomas replied politely.
"Ah, I see Miss Wayne has briefed you on me. Would you prefer we converse in Spanish?"
"It does not matter, Senor."
Alastair switched to Spanish, "(I don't mind, Tomas. Now, let's see where we should put you. Hmm. Given your background, the affinity for the common man is not as strong as you would think.)" "Not Hufflepuff," he announced to a groan.
"(Let's see. You have a strong desire for vengance on the death of your mother, with a slight bit of worry that you'll be sent to your uncle Raul's custody. Interesting, but I would put my trust in Mrs. Wayne. You have formidable allies, Tomas. You can learn to trust them, however, that rules out Gryffindor.)" "Not Gryffindor," he announced to another groan.
"(I do so enjoy a challenge,)" Alastair admitted. "(The last one was your sister Mattie's Sorting. Let's see, you have your devious side, the desire for perfection is there, like your sister's, but not as strong. No, more important to you is the hunger to KNOW. I think you'll be best in...) RAVENCLAW!"
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The Headmistress stood, tapping her goblet. "Thank you. Now that we have eaten, I have just a few start-of-term announcements. As always, magic is forbidden in the corridors, and Mr. Filch's list of banned items has grown to sixty-seven feet, should you care to peruse it." There was general laughter, "The Forbidden Forest remains strictly forbidden to all students, as I presume you do not wish to die a most horrible death." Minerva favored them with a look, "Classes start Monday, so you have a weekend to prepare. Off to bed with you."
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"Kent Samuel Bundy," the nervous firstie said as he smeared his blood on his name, tapping it with his wand. It paused, and then rotated with other members of Slytherin House.
"And our final and newest member of the Den, Miss Bones," Professor Snape said. Ami swallowed hard; accepting the knife, "Ami Miranda Bones" she said, smearing her blood on her name; then tapping her wand. It started to rotate with the others, and there was general applause.
"Very well," Professor Snape said. "As a member of Slytherin, we support each other, even if we disagree in private. If you need assistance with your studies, seek out another member of the den for private tutoring. Ladies, if you need a pass for your monthly time, please do not hesitate to ask myself or a nurse. However, if you are using it to skive off class, I will know." He favored them all with a glower. "Any detentions you earn will be doubled by me. Lastly, I will be most unhappy with an unplanned pregnancy, potions are available from myself or the nurse. I expect you to exercise discretion. Miss Bundy?"
"Thank you, professor," she said as he headed off. "Sound travels up and down the stairwells, if you snore, have sex or otherwise make noise, please be courteous and use silencing spells. One last bit of advice to the firsties," she added. "Believe every word."
Sprink knocked on the Potion Master's door, it opened for her. "Professor, I haven't seen Mattie since the train, is she in the infirmary?"
"Not that I am aware, Miss Tonks," he said. "When is the last time you saw her?"
"Before the train pulled into Hogsmeade, she went to the loo."
"I see. I shall investigate. Thank you for bringing this to my attention." Sprink nodded and left.
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"Welcome to the Eagle's Nest!" Professor Flitwick said, "I do hope you'll be happy here! Well, now. We do pride ourselves in having the highest grade average of all the four houses, so if you have difficulties, please don't hesitate to ask a Housemate for help. Better you know, after all."
He smiled, "For the ladies, during that, err, special time of the month, please don't hesitate to see me or a nurse for a potion or charm. If you plan to, err, spend time with that special someone; please make sure your contraceptive charms are current." He bounced happily, "Welcome, welcome to Hogwarts!"
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"Welcome to Gryffindor House," Harry said. "This is my wife Ginny, she's available to anyone, in any house, who needs a big sister to talk to." Julie grinned at that. "The password changes once a month, you may get it from Ginny, myself, or one of your prefects, September's password is 'honor', which is not to be shared with the other houses." he added. "You do get used to the climb up here, its good exercise." People chuckled. "Girls up the left staircase, boys up the right. The girl's staircase is spelled so boys can't get up it, though. Breakfast from seven to nine, lunch from twelve to one, dinner five to six. I'm available if you have any questions or problems. Welcome to Hogwarts!"
He left with Ginny, Julie asking a platinum blonde, "What happened to our trunks?"
Cooly, she replied, "The house-elves brought them to your dormitory." She turned to move off, Amanda telling Julie, "Watch out for Malfoy. She's trouble, your brother asked us to keep an eye out for you. Let's get you settled."
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"Argyle," Severus told the statue, who rotated aside. He knocked on Minerva's door, opening it when she called, "Come, Severus."
The room had changed somewhat, the towering bookcases remained, but the shelves of knick-knacks Albus had collected were gone, replaced by a large tapestry that showed the complex interweaving of wizarding bloodlines. Minerva moved away from it, "I thought to cover all of the British Isles, but I'm wondering about the inclusion of Americans in it." She moved a hand, "Some, like Miss Wayne for instance, have both Scottish and French wizarding blood. Her mother comes from a long line of French weres, after all."
"Regarding Miss Wayne, she's missing," Severus said. "She was last seen on the way to the loo, just before the train entered Hogsmeade station."
"Oh, my!" Minerva said. "We'd best summon our freshly trained Aurors. I'll send an owl straightaway."
"I, on the other hand, will brace myself for a howler from Mrs. Wayne," Severus said.
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Friday, September 1, 2000:
Gotham City, Wayne Manor: 14:31 (GMT-5)
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Selina's laptop pinged, and she checked her mail.
To: Selina Wayne
CC: Barbara Grayson, Minerva McGonagall
From: Severus Snape
Date: 1 September, 2000
Subject: Re: Mattie Wayne
Mrs. Wayne,
We have just been informed that your daughter has not been seen since shortly before the train entered Hogsmeade station, when she visited the loo.
We are investigating, and will keep you informed.
Severus Snape
> Professor Snape:
> I have received a safe arrival email from Tomas, but not from Mattie. Is there a problem?
> Selina Wayne
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Saturday, September 2, 2000:
Hogwarts, Great Hall, Slytherin table: 07:48
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Sprink worried as she chewed a rasher of bacon. A few feet down the table, Ami Bones was hesitantly sitting down. As Professor Snape entered, she jumped up, calling, "P'fessor Snape?"
"Miss Tonks?"
Sprink lowered her voice, "Any word about Mattie?"
Severus cast a privacy spell, "None so far. She is not in the infirmary, Professor Vector and I searched the train station with members of the town council last night. We plan a more extensive search today, if this dratted rain does not interfere too badly. Do you have any of her clothing? Professor Potter and I will look for her scent."
"I know her scent, an' only if I can help!" she said stubbornly.
He pursed his lips. "Very well. In the interim, do not discuss this with others. We do not wish any students going off half-cocked. Meet us in your dorm in half an hour." He banished the privacy spell, moving toward Hufflepuff.
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"Mr. Morton, a word?"
Arthur looked up at Professor Snape, and nodded, closing his laptop. He moved against the wall, where the Professor cast a privacy spell. "Mr. Morton, I am aware that you are close to Miss Wayne. As you may have noticed, she is missing. We are investigating, and Miss Tonks will be assisting us this morning. In the interim, I do not wish wild rumours and false charges to circulate. When we have more information, we shall inform you, so keep your opinions to yourself. Is that clear?"
"Sir, the Waynes?"
"Mrs. Wayne is aware of the situation. We plan to search the train station this morning, the Headmistress sent off an owl last night regarding the train itself." He banished the privacy spell, reminding Arthur, "Keep your opinions to yourself."
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Saturday, September 2, 2000:
London, Charing Cross station, DMLE: 08:15
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Nymphadora Tonks chewed on her lip, typing two-fingered into her new compulator. She absently tugged on her mouse, the cord upsetting her mug of tea, staining the 'Dummies' reference book it propped open. "Gor blimey!" she swore, jumping up and banishing the mess, then casting a cleaning spell on her skirt.
"Tonks!" Rufus bellowed, appearing with a file folder. He looked down his nose as she awkwardly aimed her wand at herself. He snorted, and cast a cleaning spell himself. Clearing his throat, he said, "Tonks, you have a sister at Hogwarts, is that right?" She nodded, and he dropped the folder on her desk. "You scored well on your examinations, and you're a Slytherin. We've a missing student, a Miss Wayne. This case is a very hot potato, Tonks, the Waynes have a great deal of money and influence." He glowered at her, "This case will prove if our reforms have had an effect. By the book, Tonks, solve this case!" He turned away, then said, "Apparate to the Hogsmeade train station, and take a brolly, its raining there."
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Saturday, September 2, 2000:
Hogsmeade train station: 08:18
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Tonks popped into the apparition point of the station, seeing Professor Snape among several figures sheltering from the pouring rain. She smiled on seeing her sister, eyed the large black panther; then said, "Tonks, DMLE. What d' you know about the missing student?"
Professor Snape replied, "Your sister reported her missing last night after the initiation ceremony. From what I understand, Miss Wayne went to the loo shortly before the train entered Hogsmeade station. That is the last anyone has seen her. A point me spell returned no results either here or in the castle last night. The Headmistress owled off about the train last night, I have not heard a result as yet. Mrs. Wayne has been informed."
"This rain won't help," Sprink said. "We'll do what we can, though." She transformed, leaping off the platform and starting to quarter the track, heading south. The panther yawned at them, leaping off the platform to sniff the tracks.
"We'll head to London next to search the train itself," Tonks said. "Hopefully GNER hasn't scrubbed the cars."
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Saturday, September 2, 2000:
London, GNER train depot: 11:05
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"This is the compartment we were in," Sprink said. "Unfortunately, they've cleaned the train; the owl didn't get here in time. Still, we'll find what we can. Shadow, if you could search the front, I'll search the back, we'll meet here."
"I shall join you, Shadow," Professor Snape said, while Tonks held the door for her transformed sister.
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Sprink's tail wagged, she found a faint trail, underneath the smell of disinfectants (Ew!) and other chemicals. She slowly quartered the train car, winding up next to the door to the loo. She scratched at it; her sister opened the door to the female loo. Her nose twitched, she slowly quartered the small room, winding up at one of the stalls. Transforming back, she said, "The trail ends in that stall. She was on the pot when whatever happened, happened." She met her sister's eyes, "Best I can tell you. Maybe Shadow can sniff out more."
Tonks sighed, "We'll have him start at the compartment, do another search, to be sure. Bloody smart panther. Anything else you can tell me?"
"Just about every girl on the train car came in here, including me," Sprink said. "I can't distinguish time when each was here, sorry. What about spells?"
"Lots of glamour and beauty spells, like 'Follicus'," Tonks said. "They overlay each other. Finding a dark or unknown spell is almost impossible." She opened the door, "Let's let the others know, and have Shadow repeat the search." She scratched her head, "I make my preliminary report, an' then start interviewing girls on the train."
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To: Selina Wayne
CC: Barbara Grayson, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape
From: Sheila Hawking
Date: 2 September, 2000
Subject: Mattie Wayne
Selina,
Professor Snape just arrived to give me a personal briefing on Mattie's disappearance. They have searched the train and the station for her, and were able to trace a partial scent to a particular stall in the train car's female washroom.
Sprink is the one that found Mattie's scent; which was confirmed by another person. That particular washroom was used by every girl in the train car. Unfortunately, an accurate timeline is impossible; the train was cleaned after arrival. The spells detected are beauty spells, which overlay each other. The next step is to interview every girl on the train that night, which will take time.
I informed him that we were unable to contact her by her Ring – 'user not found' was the message.
Sheila
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