HP-Hogwarts Story So Far

Transcript Four

Professor Dumbledore Makes Another Announcement

 

More friendly banter is taking place between Nimue, Marvo and Morticia on the upcoming Ball. Nimue is reminded that people thought she and Marvo were an item:

"Oh gosh yes" Nimue started to giggle even more at this reminder, "though remember everyone was also thinking that he and I were also 'interested' in each other - AS IF!" Nimue seems to have regained more of a sense of herself in this light-hearted exchange.

"Though nobody spotted that it was Kat who really liked him!"

She looked about and saw that Kat had left with the new Ravenclaws so couldn't assure her friend there had been nothing meant in her remarks about Marvo.

Morticia grins. "Well, she was quite explicit about it in Hogsmeade when talking to Cer, if I remember correctly..."

"Oh, I guess I wasn't that much paying attention. I was so keen to make sure no one thought I was interested in him." Nimue tried to remember - it seemed such a long time ago and yes Kat had seemed to be quite interested in her and Marvo's status, so the signs were there.

She turned to Marvo hoping he wouldn't take her remarks the wrong way: "Oh, Marvo that's not saying I don't like you or anything - I do. But it would have been so weird wouldn't it? You're OK with that - we're like brother and sister, right?"

She continued to feel a somewhat confused in herself as to what were her feelings and what might be overspill from Kat.

'Of COURSE Nim.... How about you 'Tish? What to be my sister too? '

"No offence, Mar- Malcolm Dexter," Morticia grins, "but the last thing on earth that I need is another brother or sister!"

Professor Dumbledore Makes Another Announcement

While this gentle banter between the students remaining in the Hall did not eradicate the stress of the past few days, it did lighten all their moods.

It came as some surprise to Marvo, Morticia, Ceridwyn, Nimue & the other students remaining in the dining Hall that Professor Dumbledore entered again. Nimue felt especially awkward - had news of the experiment reached Dumbledore?

"Ah, good .... Miss Hawkwood, Mr. Ward." Nimue's heart sank at their being singled out, though despite the obvious stress that the Headmaster was under he didn't look in any way stern.

"I have received owls from your parents who have asked my permission for you to travel to London to attend a joint family function. Normally we do not encourage this sort of disruption during term time but as the current situation at Hogwarts is rather unusual and your teachers assure me that losing a day or two will not adversely effect your schoolwork, I have given my permission for you both to go. Marcus Falconer will be here later to escort you, so please make sure that you are ready to leave as it is a long journey."

This business being done he addressed the room again, "I will make a more general announcement later in the day, but I would wish to put an end to uninformed speculation that Miss Blackfire is under any suspicion of involvement in the death of Josslin Relumes.

Admittedly, Miss Blackfire did act unwisely in performing a ritual at the scene of death but her motives in doing so arose from her concern about her fellow student. She is devastated by the awareness that this action has made our investigations into the identity of Miss Relumes' attackers more difficult. However, we are continuing to explore all avenues to determine how this happened and who was responsible for this most tragic death."

Morticia gives a relieved sigh. "Finally," she mutters, "poor Riala!"

He paused and then addressed Morticia directly with a grave and concerned look; "Miss Lagrand, if you wish to join me in my office later today for tea, on your own or with Mr. Gedward if you would like, we can discuss aspects of your vision and hopefully bring you greater sense of peace."

Morticia blushes. "Uhm... I... We thought about having a freestyle Quidditch game later this day, no rules, no teams, just for fun... so if you don't mind..."

Dumbledore smiles. "Not at all. Why should you prefer drinking tea with a boring old man when you can knock people off their broomsticks?" He laughs as Morticia blushes even more. "Have fun, then, all of you who're involved. I'll talk to Madam Hooch to make sure you get the field."

Marvo goes very pale

'Family?'

As Professor Dumbledore finishes Marvo rushes up to him and starts to whisper in his ear. Yuan definitely hear Marvo say 'I don't WANT to go!' but can't make out much more.

Professor Dumbledore just smiles and pats Marvo on the back.

'Don't worry Marvo. I've been informed this is not thing bad, good news in fact. Just go and have fun in London. even do some Christmas Shopping'

Marvo seems rather unhappy by this but nods his head in agreement.

Morticia, despite being happy about the freestyle Quidditch game, gives Marvo a concerned look. "Marvo, are you alright? I know you don't like talking about your family... but if you need to talk about it..." She smiles awkwardly. "Anyhow, just tell me if you want to."

Marvo seems slightly (and pleasantly) surprised by Morticia's reaction.

'Thank you 'Tish. It's just.... Well, I just don't get on too well with my family. I'm a bit of a...... 'white sheep' you might say'

He turns to Nimue: 'Any idea what this is about? I haven't forgotten a Birthday or anniversary or anything have I?'

"No, I'm as puzzled as you are by this and so strange they didn't send us owls beforehand though maybe as it was an unusual request they wanted to make sure it was OK with the School first. I am sure it can't be something like a birthday or anniversary ..... we can see if Marcus will give us any clues on the journey down."

Nimue had been slightly hurt that Marvo didn't want to go though was somewhat happier now that it transpired it was his family he didn't want to see rather than spend time with her.

"Look, if it helps I'm sure you can stay at ours instead of with your family wherever they are staying. We could say it is because we need to do homework so we don't fall behind."

'Thanks Nim. It would help if I could stay at yours.'

Then he smiles. 'And of course... I'll help you with any homework your not sure about'

Marvo feels a little better, but worry is obvious on his face.

'What could it be about? And after all this time? And why is Elizabeth involved?' He says to himself.

"Maybe its about Joss and how she died..." Morticia ignores that Marvo is talking to Nimue. "It was..." she whispers "it was dark magic!"

Dark Magic indeed Morticia. the Darkest.' Marvo interjects.

Morticia mutters something like "Don't tell me things I already know" and continues to read her Discworld-book.

Marvo goes to put his hand on Morticia's shoulder, but stops himself.

'No Tish. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant, well, It's not just dark, it's very powerful too. for someone to be able to control Madison like that, and do whatever is going on in the forest, get past the schools defenses and still kill... get Joss. well. that's powerful....'

He pauses for a second. 'I think we have a rouge Warlock working here.'

Nimue turned to Morticia, "It's a thought Morticia, though Dumbledore did say a joint family function and then to Marvo that it was something 'good', so it's probably some form of party."

"I hope so for both of you."

Nimue lowers her voice somewhat to respond to Morticia's final remark. "Yes, I am aware. Morticia, we probably won't have time before we go but I had a very powerful dream about Joss and as I know you have experience with visions and dream symbolism so I hoped you might be able to help with it. I think there was another power involved after she died - not dark magic but very powerful old magic. Joss was descended from a very ancient Scottish line of witches and that power seemed to be reaching out from another place to.... I think somehow bring Joss' murderer to light."

Morticia blushes. "Well, I'm not expert... but I bought two very good books in Hogsmeade. One is "Verify your Visions", it's really a good read. You can borrow it if you want."

Nimue longed to say more about what she had learned during the mind share with Kat but it didn't seem the right place. Joss would make herself known when she would.

Nimue was surprised to see Marcus standing in the door with a serious look on his face, had he overheard their conversation?

Whatever, he gave no sign, and indicated to Nimue and Marvo that it was time to leave....

"Morticia", said Nimue, "it looks as though we won't have time to say goodbye to Kat and the others, could you tell them? If we have time we'll send an owl but I expect we'll be back before anyone notices."

Nimue leaves in order to gather some things for the trip from Gryffindor Tower, dragging Marvo with her - he continuing to mumble to himself.