Confusion Fall

Harry and Mandy's flat, 1 week after the Trio's meeting at the Hog's Head

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:58:08 GMT

Mandy had been sitting by the window, looking at a preview catalogue of this fall's dress robes from her favorite designer when two owls flew in. One was unmistakably Daphne's and the other looked like one of Hogwart's loaner owls. She took both letters and then shooed the birds out. "Harry," she called, "You've got an owl from the castle." Judging by the writing, it was the ghost. Mandy chucked it unceremoniously onto the side table and opened Daphne's letter.

When Harry came in, she beamed at him. "Daphne says that Triny's little elfling will be fully trained and available for purchase in a month! It's a little female! I've been thinking of getting a cottage, and anything bigger than this flat will really need an elf. How great is this?" she rambled quickly, completely forgetting about Hermione's owl, which said:

Dear Harry,

I've gone over my research again, and I have come to the conclusion that Mandy and I really must resolve our grudge. It's better to be safe than sorry, and I would hate to lose the opportunity to pass on due to some silly disagreement. Would you be willing to arrange a metting for us and coerce her into attendance?

-Hermione

PS How are the Runic transcriptions going?

Owl to Ron, 1 week after their meeting in the Hog's Head

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:15:22 GMT

Dear Ron,

Thank you again for agreeing to go with me to my parents'. Would you be available this coming Saturday? I can owl them to expect us around 3 if you like.

-Hermione

PS Have you had any luck with the Runic inscription?

The Hog's Head. May 2nd, 6 pm. Open to Harry and Ron.

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:34:58 GMT

Hermione would have liked to meet outside. It was quite sunny in the park, and the flowers were blooming beautifully. Unfortunately, she knew she was often hard to see in bright sunlight and so asked the boys to meet her in Hog's Head instead. Rosemerta's was more pleasant, but they all knew too many people there to have an uninterrupted conversation. So, she found herself hovering over a chair in the back corner of the pub, rather bright for the dark corner.

The barkeep didn't seem to think that a ghost was worth helping, so he just ignored her, figuring she'd bring business in or go away. Hermione looked expectantly at the door. She knew she hadn't really explained herself well in the owl. How could she? One couldn't write 'Hey, I think it's time to disappear. Fancy a chat?' She knew the owls she sent were vague and hoped the boys would come. The trio needed to be back together for this.

Ron and Neville's Flat. Midnight on a Wednesday. Open to anyone who might be there.

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:25:59 GMT

Mills apparated into the livingroom looking none to pleased. "Oi, Gryffie," she called down the hallway. "Come here." She headed to kitchen, found a beer in the fridge, and took it with her to the couch.

Ron had been hearing plenty about how intolerable Blaise was being lately. Over the last three months, he'd had four of his songs on the wireless from a handful of bands. Finally, money was rolling in and trampy little witches were creeping out of the house in the morning. The best bet was that this late night visit was also about Blaise.

A Saturday in April at Michael and Iden's apartment

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:14:20 GMT

Michael poured two glasses of red wine, setting the bottle next to the glasses on the coffee table. He sat on the couch, leaning back onto his fiance. Iden handed him the wedding book to hold as they went over the details that they'd already set and what we left to decide.

"Okay, let's go over what we've decided so far. The ceremony's going to be Saturday, October 11. I think we decided that we're going to have it here in the country, but we haven't decided where here. Any new thoughts?"

Midmorning at BLABS

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:36:20 GMT

Hermione Granger floated through the door to BLABS with a small but excited smile. With a crack, Dobby appeared next to her with an envelope in his hand. She floated up to the counter and smiled sweetly at Michael. "Hello, Michael," Hermione said brightly. "MacGonnagall's written me a letter to take a look at some books, if that's all right."

A little brown hand pushed an envelope across the counter and left a list written on parchment on Hermione's side. "Thank you, Dobby. You may go back to the castle now," Hermione said.

"Yes, Miss Granger. Dobby will go back, but Miss Granger should calls to Dobby is Miss Granger needs anything," the elf said and disappeared again.

"Sorry about that. He likes being my hands," she said, trying to excuse her use of an elf.

On a random March evening at Michael and Iden's flat.

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:59:18 GMT

Iden had taken the day off at the shop, but hadn't told Michael that. Instead, he had spent the better part of the day whipping up a four course northern Italian meal. When Michael arrived, he would find most of the living room magically cleared, Inky away at Moira's house, a fire in the fireplace, and a beautifully set table near said fire. Iden closely monitored the panna cotta as it cooked and poured it into its dishes to set. It looked suspiciously like everything was just about ready... not that he actually knew exactly when Michael was due in from work.

The posh end of Diagon. 4pm on a Saturday afternoon.

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:46:42 GMT

Though Daphne's dark red cloak obscured her outline, the long, blonde hair made it fairly obvious who she was from a distance as she walked leisurely down the nicer end of Diagon. She'd been quite busy this morning between meeting with the Malfoy PR witch, submitting some advertisements (a charity dinner for the incurables and openning applications for the annual Draco Malfoy Hogwarts Scholarship), and having tea with a few of the more sympathetic Prophet reporters.

The last few months has been a whirlwind of meetings, plans, parties, and strategy. Daphne was trying to get Draco a tactical and bloodless revenge on the Ministry while still having them both look wonderful in the public eye. She knew going in that making the new generation of Malfoys look innocent was going to be an uphill battle, but it was turning out to be harder than she thought.

The lawyers were amassing evidence about the flawed Ministry legal system and searching for previous cases of the wrongly imprisoned unable to seek restitution. The more cases they could find, the better. Draco's side of the story had been printed in the Prophet and been reprinted in a handful of other publications. The Malfoy Scholarship was unofficially earmarked for a half-blood. So long as some poor witch or wizard with a Muggle grandmother or grandfather applied, the money would be theirs. It was important to show some generousity to those of impure blood. They certainly weren't giving the money to a mublood, but a mixed child would be fine.

With all of these plates in the air, Daphne wanted to relax over an afternoon snack. To that end, she'd sent last minute owls to Mandy (with Harry's name for politeness), Draco, and Theodore, inviting them to meet her at the smart, new cocktail and appetizer restaurant that had opened in a loft above a luxury clothing store. If they didn't get the owls in time, she was sure she'd know someone who was there already.

Happy New Year

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:34:47 GMT

Bellatrix was in her element. The execution of a well-laid plan always gave her a sense of calm, and tonight was no exception. She had let it slip weeks ago that she had big plans for the holidays, and spent hours with Rodolphus and Ran, pouring over guest lists and blueprints, planning for every possibility. Rodolphus’ little demonstration a few years ago with the wizarding wireless had been brilliant, and it was about time that they kissed, made up, and started using their unique talents together, for the cause.
Tonight was a reminder for the order and for the wizarding world. It was a reminder that the cause wasn’t going anywhere and that it was more powerful then they thought. For Bellatrix, it was a reminder of what she could accomplish when she worked with her husband and her subordinates.
Bellatrix, Rodolphus, Ran, and seven other death eaters stood outside the doors to a large ballroom at 11:10pm on New Years Eve. Ran, with his tricky illusions, had made the group of death eaters dressed in long black robes and white, expressionless masks, appear to number in the thirties. They were now dressed in tasteful and high-end muggle clothes, with different faces. Bellatrix appeared as herself, dressed in a fine, high-necked robe that would pass as a dress.
As soon as the group was cloaked as revelers, Bellatrix glanced over to make sure that Ran had begun on the real illusion. He had. At his nod, she pushed open the doors, and amidst the commotion of welcoming the New Year, few of the muggles in the room noticed their arrival. Anyone paying particular attention to Bellatrix or the other death eaters would see them casually dancing, sipping from the flutes waiters were still passing out, or having quiet conversations next to the fashionable ice sculptures lining the ball room.
The real Bellatrix, Rodolphus, and Regulus appeared immediately at the muggle prime minister’s side. Bellatrix purred unnoticed at the prime minister, then turned to the muggle-born Auror who was acting as the minister’s secretary and bodyguard, in case of a situation similar to this. “Avada Kedavra” she whispered, and the man collapsed. The three of them merged into the crowd once more, waiting for the Order members to show up and join the party.

Waiting, waiting, and more waiting. New Year's Eve.

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:21:24 GMT

Kingsley Shacklebolt wanted the holidays to be over: for the last three weeks he had been stalking around the Ministry, attending secret meetings, mobilizing both Aurors and Order members, sifting through intelligence, and waiting. The waiting was killing him. Three weeks ago, the Ministry got wind of a Death Eater plot. They didn't hear specifics, just that it was going to be something new and something big during the holidays.

Officially, the Ministry wasn't taking the rumor seriously, not enough evidence. Unofficially, Amelia Bones, Kingsley, and the Head of Magical Law Enforcement had met privately to discuss the possibilities. Kingsley told the others that he'd handle the security concerns, providing the Minister an opportunity to let the Order do its work without acknowledging that it existed. She agreed to sort the clean up, if any was needed, and Magical Law Enforcement was tasked with providing backup.

Kingsley had spent most of Christmas holed up in the Order's "command center" at the Burrow, waiting. Nothing had happened and the waiting continued until New Year's Eve. With Tonks and Ginny, he'd prepared a sizable list of possible New Year's Eve targets. Each target had a magical sensor placed on it that would alert them if the Death Eaters used dark magic nearby.

The Burrow was the launching ground for all Order activity. Kingsley was in charge of this mission because it required close work with the Ministry and McGonnagall couldn't be seen at the sight of a Death Eater attack if it became a public spectacle. In the command center room, Ginny was tasked with directing "traffic", using an enchanted map of Britain that allowed her to monitor the status and location of Order members, Aurors, and key Wizards, Witches, Muggles, and potential targets. She was also armed with a large mirror for communiques.

Other Order members waited patiently (or not so patiently) at the Burrow for engagement orders.

"Alright, listen up people, it's getting close to midnight. If we get the word that an attack is underway, Tonks, Mad-Eye, Ronald, and I will be the first wave in. Ginevra will then signal the Ministry who should arrive about two minutes later. The remainder of the Order will be on standby in case we lose containment or receive multiple attacks. Remember, minimize contact with Muggles and Ministry officials. We don't want to make it more difficult than necessary to cover our tracks. Questions?"

A Very Pixie Christmas

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:23:38 GMT

Michael was pacing about the apartment trying to decide whether everything was ready. By the Christmas tree were two neat stacks of presents ready to be summoned away, one with presents for Iden's family and one with presents for Michael's family. On the hob were several dishes keeping warm until brunch at Iden's mum's house. In the refrigerator were several more dishes keeping cool until dinner at Michael's parents' house.

"Iden, are you ready to go?" Michael called from the kitchen.

A very Weasley Christmas. 5pm. Christmas eve.

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:41:23 GMT

Molly had hardly slept in the last week, but she felt wonderful. Between babysitting Gina and Jenny so mommies could Shop for presents, baking enough cookies, cakes, and pies to feed a battalion, knitting sweaters and scarves for a more extended family than usual, and decorating the house, she had been busy around the clock. It didn't bother her one bit. In fact, it had given her a break from the war, especialy the Lestrange problem. For one whole week, Molly's life had resembled what it had been years before, only this time with grandbabies. As she put the bow on the last gift and placed it under the tree, she sighed contentedly. Dinner was an hour off, and everyone was set to trickle in throughout the evening.

Malfoy Manor - The Day After Theo's Visit

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:25:37 GMT

The Master of the house was pacing, his black velvet robes tracing the floor with its hem. An eerily green fire was burning in the hearth, and Draco was obviously obsessive about something; Daphne should be about any time, and Draco intended to hear her perspective on the matter vexing him. He had been drinking, but apparently couldn't handle much, since half a bottle of wine rested precariously upon the mantle. Draco was muttering to himself, trying to work something out - and it didn't sound good.

4:45PM Sharp - Draco Malfoy's Study (private)

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:14:29 GMT

Draco was dressed in a rich silver dressing robe that looked as if it had been made of an alchemical mixture of silk and dragon hide. It lent him an austere air, which suited the mood of the room as its Master leafed through what appeared to be paperwork, probably financial. A tall transparent goblet of drinking chocolate was set on a small table near Draco's desk, and its contents were dark, almost black. Draco had been waiting since four o'clock despite Theodore's promise to make it by quarter 'til five; he sighed, setting the scrolls down and leaning back his head against the chair he was sitting in. Draco pulled a hand through his white-blond hair, watching as the longer strands fell gracefully, nearly in slow-motion. His mind was cluttered, and he hoped Theodore would improve its general state.

Owl to Theodore (secret)

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:44:07 GMT

Theodore,

I require your presence tomorrow afternoon. I shall be waiting in my study. One of Daphne's elves will no doubt show you in.

Draco Malfoy

Tonks' Birthday Party. August 5th. 8pm. Her flat.

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:53:09 GMT

Tonks grinned as she looked around her flat. Silencing charms were cast all over the doors and windows, ensuring that the rather loud music in her flat didn't bother the neighbors. A large table was covered in take-out food: Thai, Pizza, Greasy Pub Appetizers, Indian, Pasta, and a cake made by a local bakery. The fridge was full of beer and soda. Wine and hard alcohol sat on a kitchen counter.

Overall, Tonks was quite pleased with herself. She didn't usually entertain at home, but she had a sneaking suspicion that she might be good at it. While she waited for the first guests, she looked in the mirror at her new tattoo, watching the pink wolf cub run around her shoulder and upper arm. Iden rocked.

August 2

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:33:55 GMT

Harry had just gotten out of the shower and felt so much better. Like usual, he had spent the whole day at home. But unlike most days, he'd actually done something. He'd spent all afternoon cleaning the apartment and putting things in order.

An owl arrived just as he left the bathroom, towel wrapped about him. He assumed it was Tonks's response. He opened the note and read it quickly. Now, how to get Mandy to agree to go?

Owl to Michael, sent to him at the library midday of August 2nd.

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:18:24 GMT

I know I'm going to see you at home later, but I thought I'd tell you that I've got an interesting appointment on the 5th. I'm tattooing a metamorph, should be a challenge. Anyway, she's a good friend of Han's and is having a birthday party after the tat. Wanna come with me?

Iden

Owl to George, Fred, Lupin, Harry,Ron, Ginny, Neville, Hermione, Iden, and Kingsley sent August 2nd.

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:14:50 GMT

Hey everyone,

My birthday's the 5th, and we need to have a party. Fred, leave the kid with Molly (Jenny will be with her already) and everyone head to my flat. Bring girlfriends, boyfriends, and anyone else you want. See you all at 8pm on the 5th.

Tonks

((PS that only Iden can see)) We're still on for the 5pm tattoo appointment right? You going to bring that boy of yours to my party? You better.

Dinner at the Manor, three days after Draco's release.

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:15:40 GMT

Daphne bustled about the informal dining room, making sure that the silver was polished and nothing was out of place. She'd just checked the study to make sure the crystal bottles of various liquors were full for Draco and Theodore's pre-dinner drinks. Yes, she'd invited Theodore to dine with both Malfoys, but she wanted a second opinion on Draco's behaviour from Theodore. More importantly, she wanted to see if he was mostly fine while talking to people that weren't her.

Draco seemed to be doing well. He had begun to request richer foods and Daphne indulged him in everything that didn't expressly violate a healer's order. Not that she intended to indulge him on a permananet basis, but he needed to put on weight and remember how to be happy. If that required croissants, truffles, and brandy, so be it... so long as he didn't drink in excess. She wouldn't tolerate that as it would be quite hard on his weakened body. Of course, he had nightmares, woke screaming, avoided his parents' rooms at all cost.

Daphne shook her head slightly, forcing those thoughts to clear. No, Draco would back to normal soon. Under her care, it wouldn't take long. Hopefully, Theodore would help. Having friends about was always helpful... or was supposed to be.

Owl to Theodore. 3 days after Draco's release

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:17:31 GMT

Dear Theodore,

Draco and I would very much enjoy your company for supper at the manor around 7pm this evening. I hope you can make it.

Warmest Regards,
Daphne

Outside of the Flower Shop, open to anyone

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:36:12 GMT

Being the new manager had its perks. For one thing, Neville could set his hours to whatever he wished, and he could order whatever he felt would sell well in the shop. He also had authority over the other employees, but there was a problem: there weren't any. Pansy Parkinson, his estranged coworker, had vanished without a trace shortly after the return of Draco Malfoy, leaving those who knew her only speculation as to where she'd gone. She was still earning a severely-reduced paycheck, but only because Amaryllis, the shop's owner, couldn't bring herself to fire Pansy without first finding out what had happened to her.

So it was Pansy's paycheck that sent Neville out of the shop, first to send an owl off to the Parkinson residence with Pansy's minuscule earnings, and then to post a "Help Wanted" sign outside the window. He needed someone to help him with the store, especially if he was going to be spending time training with Ginny and Harry and the rest under Mad-Eye Moody. So he and Amaryllis talked it over and eventually it was decided.

Amaryllis' Flower Shoppe was now hiring.

After posting the sign, Neville grabbed a broom and swept the sidewalk, taking in the fresh air and enjoying the sun as the visitors and patrons of Diagon Alley walked by.

Planning Order Training, late May or early June

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 01:09:49 GMT

A few days after the Order meeting, Harry received an owl from Professor McGonagall requesting that he stop by her office today. Since Harry was still jobless, he hadn't any real plans for the day. So around 10 o'clock, he Apparated to Hogsmeade and paid a coach to take him up to the Castle. He was surprised how much the image of Hogwarts in the distance made him nostalgic for his school days. The trip back to the Castle almost made him a little nervous.

He must have arrived between classes, because children were running all about. He looked out of place in his jeans and jumper. He slowly made his way to the Headmistresses office. He'd been to the office so many times in his school days that he could find it blindfolded, despite the moving stairways. When he arrived, he suddenly realized that he didn't know the current password. So, he told the Gargoyle that the Headmistress was expecting him and trusted that the message would somehow find its way to her. Then he waited.

A moment or two later Mad-Eye Moody came around the corner. "Where you been, boy? It's nearly 10:30."

Mad-Eye caught Harry off guard. "I, uh, um... I didn't realize I was expected at a specific time, sir. McGonagall just said come sometime this morning."

Mad-Eye just growled a little and passed Harry. He spoke "Yellow Carnation" and the Gargoyle jumped to life, admitting them into Professor McGonagall's office. "Let's go on up, she'll be with us in a moment. I heard her disciplining a student on the second floor a moment agao."

Harry smiled as he went up, thinking that this place must not have changed too much.

Draco Malfoy's Release, July 19

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:34:12 GMT

Amelia Bones sat behind her large desk in her office at the Ministry of Magic. The Aurors Office had failed to produce convincing evidence of Malfoy's guilt and today was their deadline. She signed the release order in front of her and handed it off to a secretary to be delivered to Azkaban. They would send him to the Ministry within the hour; he'd been waiting in the lower security wing for three days now.

"Kingsley, I'm not happy about this either, but we've been holding him for six months on one piece of evidence that could have been easily planted. There's no way the Wizengamot would have convicted, and so we have to let him go." She was clearly disappointed.

Kingsley was clearly holding back anger. "Yes, ma'am. Is someone arriving to collect him?"

"Oh, I'm sure his wife will be here. I told Weasley to send the press corps home for the day, but I expect Mrs Malfoy will have summoned a press conference anyway."

An hour later, Kingsley and a couple other Aurors were leading Draco into the Atrium to be released. Bones planned to stay away from the Atrium that morning to avoid any cameras and reporters.

Michael's Birthday. July 14th.

confusion_fall@yahoo.com — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 02:46:40 GMT

When Michael woke up, Inky ran into his bedroom with a basket handle in his mouth. The basket that almost touched the floor contained a pot of tea, milk, sugar, a currant scone, a blueberry muffin, vanilla yogurt, and fresh strawberries. Once Inky had dropped the basket, he ran off. Iden was nowhere to be found and hadn't spent the night the previous night.

At lunch time, a delivery boy from a cafe in Diagon delivered a chef salad and trifle with no message attached.

Just before Michael was due to leave work, an owl came in with an envelope. Inside was an address in Iden's handwriting. The address was somewhere in Dover. Also in the envelope was a picture of what looked like a cottage with "picture provided for apparition purposes" typed onto it's lower right-hand corner.