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Hi Ginny, do you want to go clubbing with Kate, Bonnie and myself? I've never done this before and since you got me on that broom I was thinking you would help me with this? Let me know ~Hermione

Hi Hermione,

I don't know if the offer still stands, but I think that would be a lovely idea.

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I frown slightly confused as a young woman walks up to me. She looks quite peculiar, yet friendly. "Yes. Yes. Confusing." I say as she starts pulling me away. Where in the world is this woman taking me?! Doesn't she know... Oh.. "Yes, we must stay together in this." I say as we walk into the bedroom. I shake off her grasp off of me and walk over to the bed. "Do you think there's, like, a clue or something in here?" I glance over the bed and night tables. I sit down on the bed focusing my attention of the table. I trail my fingers across the top of it before pulling opening the drawer. I see a small box covered in dust. It is clear that it's been opened recently because I can see finger prints all over it. "Hm, interesting." I flip it open quickly and gasp. Inside the box sits a pristinely clean looking razor. I stand up quickly, holding it up to her. "ARE YOU SETTING ME UP?? HOW DARE YOU!!"

Follow Me

Walking around, there seems to be a few confused and lost guests hanging about. I nonchalantly reached for the top of my head and picked a alice ofstrawberry from my headpiece, which I had magically charmed to stay fresh and edible. As I ate the strawberry, I spotted a girl with red hair, around my age. I thought for a moment…then made up my mind and shrugged. “Hello,” I said as I approached her. “It’s been a pretty confusing night for all of us…hasn’t it? We should stick together, in case anything happens. You be my eyes and ears and I’ll be yours.” I didn’t wait for her to agree. I smiled quickly at her and grabbed her hand, pulling her along.

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The News

From the kitchen, I hear commotion outside. The list of details involved in the murder is growing. But who could it be? It couldn't have been one of us, could it have been? I'm sure whoever invited us here is to blame. It has to be a set up! They're trying to make us all, or someone specific, look bad for whatever reason.

I venture back out into the hallway and see the one man pulling someone else from the door of the library to another door. What happened in the library? Where is he taking her? Is she the next victim? Could he be the murderer? It very well is a possibility. It's time to investigate.

I sneak into the conservatory and hide myself in the corner to watch what happens.

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"If we hadn't protected people? Even more people would have died. Even more people would have been at risk. You could have died, mum or dad could have, I could have, Hermione could have, anyone and everyone else could have. You, we, the wizarding world lost enough as it is. It could have been so much worst!" I shake my head. "No. Fred wouldn't have made a better everything than you. You're both amazing everythings. He wouldn't want you to feel that way, you know."

Day 6: The Woods - Ginny & Ron

"Maybe we shouldn’t have stopped to protect people," he said shrugging her hand away habitually. He really hated that he was so conflicted with everything. "I just…why me? Why did we live? What do I have to offer?" These were questions he hated having, but the ones he had none the less. "I mean…Fred would have made a better everything than me and I got to live." He ran his hand over his face and took in a slow death. "It’s stupid I know."

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I laugh as the books fly around. "That's a good kind of flying, but it isn't as fuuuun!" I shake my head. "It's just as safe right now. There isn't anyone else up there. No quaffles or bludgers zooming at you to knock you off your broom. We're even technically inside." I point to the roof. "Not even any birds to confuse you. Perfectly safe! Just breathe and you'll be fine." I smile reassuringly at her. "Now, remember your first flying lesson ever? Call your broom to life."

Oh Quidditch || With Ginny

I put my finger to my chin and tilt my head. “Trust… hmmmm… I’ll think about it.” I grasp my wand and swish through the air, my books lifting with ease around Ginny, floating around her. “How about this kind of flying… I like this kind of flying.” I laugh softly as I stack my books carefully. I move to stand next to her and take a deep breath. “I know I can do it, but it doesn’t mean I’m not nervous. After all… it’s not as safe up there.” I point up near the goal posts. “I probably should have made a calming drought for this.” 

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I look up from my bowl to see that Luna has finished her bowl. "I'm so sorry, Luna. I really am. I wanted to like it. And I'm sure Hermione did too." I sigh. "I hope we didn't offend you..." I say as I stand up going to help her clean up. 

"I have an idea on how we can make this night better though." I say looking around. "But give me a minute. I need to go home and get it first." I say grinning broadly at each of them. "Unless you would rather not, but I think it'd be great. I'll be right back." I turn on my heel and with a pop, I disappate out of the kitchen.

A few minutes later, I apparate in the hall between the kitchen and living room. "Tada!" I shout and I walk into the kitchen holding a bottle of wine. "Let's talk, drink, and be merry. We need to catch up, and I mean really catch up."

Plimpy Soup?!?

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I nod to both of her questions. "Yes, a wand, which means I am a witch. You'd be surprised at some of the truth behind those stories." I laugh. "Ghosts and goblins, and trolls and giants. They are all real, and a real part of my world. I went to school for years to properly train and learn and master our skills. Battling, jinxing and hexing, wasn't a big part of it, but I've mastered it to a certain extent."

I cringe at the roughness of her movements with my wand. I don't know what I'd do if she broke it. "Olivander. The finest wand maker of the century in our corner of the world." I nod again. "I'd say he's crafted over a million wands."

"I'm sure it isn't all that different. Other than the fact that you use your body and such. We attack with the wand -- much less physical. However, just as deadly. Quicker, simpler, less pain." I trail off as I remember how much death I've seen with the one curse. 

I laugh at her tone. "I feel like we could be pretty good allies, if not friends." I smile at her, before shaking my head and pulling my wand out of her hands. "You don't scare me in the slightest. There's no doubt in my mind that I could take you down."

Day 4: By the Slice ~Ginny & Clarisse~

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Well, now what?

I look around the lounge. Everyone seems to have gathered here now. I bite my lip nervously as the voice crackles once again informing us that the prints have been singed off. How.... disturbingly strange... 

There's a petite redhead holding a blow torch and being swarmed by the rest of the group. Do they really think she could kill someone? The rest of the guest are preoccupied. Someone has to know what happened? There's got to be more to this. Who would know more about the situation?.. The women who brought in our dishes, maybe?

At that moment, a young man walks into the room. He seems startled and just as confused as us. Maybe we could team up to figure this up? I walk over to him while everyone else pounces on the redhead. I lean in to him and whisper in his ear: "Come with me. We'll figure this out." I grab his wrist and pull him out into the hallway. "Where do you think those girls would be?" I ask, once we're out in the hall. I look over the plaques of the door: dinning room, bathroom, library, kitchen. Kitchen. "They would have brought our food to us. I run over to the door, pulling him behind me. 

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The Not So Appetizing Appetizer

I jump at the crack of lightening. The faces of all the guests are stricken with shock. I look down at the plate in front of me. A straight edge razor? Well, that's going to keep me from getting hungry.. I pick it up and examine it. At that moment the smell of decomposing flesh hits me. I look up to locate the smell. A long body bag is sitting in the middle of the table. I guess dinner is being postponed.

I look around the room. Guests are now moving out of the room. Am I supposed to go somewhere? Is no one going to react to the fact that there is possibly a body sitting in this bag? Are we just going to ignore that fact? I glance back to the bag, cringing at the sight and smell of it. 

Out of the corner of my eye, I see two women strolling out of the room. The one woman, considerably older than the other, hands the other her cloak before exiting. Maybe they know more... I shrug to myself as I stand up, slipping the razor into my pocket. What does this tool have to do with anything? What's going on here? 

In the hallway, I look over the walls of doors, each one labelled with what they are used for: library, kitchen, bathrooms. I see the pair slip into the last door. I walk over to the door, and look up at the plaque: Lounge.

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"Harry and I are... Well.... We're good, I suppose..." I trail off. "I don't know, I haven't really talked to him recently. I just wish he would come out already." I shrug and sigh. "How's your love life, Luna?"

"I'm sure he'll maintain his range of followers. Your father publishes unique stories, I'm sure that hasn't changed even with the abundance of new media outlets." I say before taking a sip of my tea. I really wasn't aware of the number of outlets in the community. 

"I never thought about that!" I exclaim as I remember Hermione and my meeting with the unicorn. "I wonder what brought them out here.. That's a good idea. You've always taught us about the rare magical creatures, Luna. Maybe it's time the Wizarding World and Muggle World meet in the middle and learn about each others world and creatures... If no one is worried about the Statute of Secrecy anymore, I mean, we did fight for this, why shouldn't we stop differentiating the two worlds? It's time that we join each other..."

There's no time like the present

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I laugh at her response, shaking my head. "You better trust me, Hermione. Books are great, but sometimes you need to learn without a book." I smile at her as I lay my broom on the ground. "Come on, Hermione. You've done and survived worse things than flying. This is noooothing." I nod looking around the arena. "Now, the first thing we need you to do is actually get on to a broom without being a nervous wreck. You can't be nervous, you have to believe you can do this."

Oh Quidditch || With Ginny

I hear the tell tale pop as Ginny apparates in. I laugh at her question. “Well, just think of how many times books have helped… with everything. I’m just trying to be prepared Ginny. Not that I don’t trust you, just that I don’t trust that.” I say as I point to the broom rolling around a little under a few books. I stand up and brush the grass off of my jeans. “Well, here’s hoping this goes well.” I look at her, my face betraying my nervousness. I don’t really know where you intended to start, but I did promise to try. So we might as well get this over with.

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Welcome to Halloway Hall -- Arrival

I tuck the invitation into my suitcase and zip the trunk shut. An adventure this shall be. I laugh to myself as I walk outside, I'm not able to drive, but I called a car company. The car was waiting at the curb, the driver standing at the back passenger waiting with the door open. "Hello, sir." I smile at him as I walk up to him. "May I put my case in the trunk, please?" He nods curtly. "Of course ma'am, I'll take it from you." He holds his hand out to me to take the case. "Thank you." I add politely as I hand it to him before slipping into the car.

I stare out the window watching the countryside grow denser and denser. It is beautiful out here, much more appealing then Ottery St. Catchpole, and even Hogsmeade.

A few hours later, the car is rolling up a long drive, the trees have dispersed enough that at top of the drive I can see a looming building. Halloway Hall, I presume. The building gives off a distinct castle vibe. The drivers pulls into a parking spot, stops the car and comes around to open the door for me. "We have arrived Miss. Welcome to Halloway Hall." He says and holds out his hand to help me out. I smile taking his hand and step out. "Thank you so much."

I grab my suitcase from the trunk and walk up the steps to the door. I grab the brass door knocker and knock. I'm expecting someone to come help me in. But instead the door swings open by itself. Well, that's different.... I step into the foyer and look around. "Hello?? Is anyone here?" I call out as I venture further down the hallway. Maybe someone is in the dinning room? I make my way down to another door and step inside to see nothing but a table set for dinner. 

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I jump slightly startled at the voice. I look up at the woman beside me. I smile at her. "I can't read it, unfortunately. But I am quite intrigued by it. I can only guess what it's saying. And even then, I'm not sure I'd be even close to the right translation." I step back realizing I was too close to the wall. "Can you read it?" I ask as I raise my eyebrow.

Day 15: The Museum - Ginny and Perenelle

Standing before wall my eyes dart over the engraved words, stumbling over a few that have slipped from my memory but otherwise smiling at the familiar lines, when out of the corner of my eye I see a  young woman step up beside me, examining the wall as well. 

"It’s fascinating isn’t it?" I offer her a friendly smile and ask out of curiosity, "Can you read it?"

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I was sitting on the house porch when an owl flew up to me. It drops a letter in my lap with a hoot. "Hello there. Thank you for the mail." I say with a smile as I stroke it's head. I pick up and read the letter. I immediately recognize Hermione's writing. I'm surprised at how soon she wants to meet for Quidditch. I laugh softly, standing up and walking back into the house. I grab my broom and jacket from the closet before turning on my heel and apparating to Atputa's arena.

I see her sprawled out in the middle of the field surrounded by, surprise surprise, books! I shake my head and laugh as I walk over to her. "I can never pull you away from those books, can I?"

Oh Quidditch || With Ginny

I had promised Ginny that I’d do this, and before I lose my nerve, I might as well get it over with. First, I send an Owl to Ginny, letting her know to meet me at Atputa. I grab my bag of books (all on Quidditch safety of course) and apparate to the training arena. I know it will be awhile before she get’s the owl, but it will give me time to prepare. I walk onto the pitch and sprawl out with my books around me until she arrives. 

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Hills of Beans - books, books, books: ||OPEN||

These last few days, I have felt considerable more at home here. Now I just need to find something to do. Quidditch is fun, but I need something more muggle... Maybe.... Oh Hermione will be proud... Reading! I guess a trip to the library is in order. The library and a trip to Hill of Beans -- what a lovely, relaxing afternoon.

This is exciting. I think to myself as I put on my coat and fling my bag over my shoulder. 

*********************

A good 45 minutes later, I'm walking out of the library with a copy of The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith. I am content with my book option, it seems like it shall be an interesting read. As I walk towards Hill of Beans, I smile to myself, letting the fresh autumn air overtake me. 

I walk into the cafe, and walk up to the counter. The barista, a dark haired gentlemen, who looks about my age, shoots me a charming smile. "What can I get you?" he asks in a breathy voice. "Can I please have a cup of green tea? Thank you." He nods and says "Coming right up!" before turning to make the tea. I place my money on the counter as he turns back to me and hands me a, rather large, mug of tea. "Here you go." He says with a cheeky smile. "Thanks" I mumble as I turn and walk over to a cushy arm chair by the fire place. I'm instantly taken back to the Gryffindor common room. Perfect, home sweet home. I think as I place my mug on the side table. I drop my bag to the floor, take off my coat and sink into the chair.

I pull out the book from my bag, prop it open on my knees and take a sip of tea.

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I laugh as I give her a hug. "You'll manage flying perfectly fine, I promise." I laugh as I pull back from the hug. "We're on the same page about many things, and that's a good thing." I smile at her. "We'll talk soon and get together again."

Day 1: The Aqueum

I shudder at the thought. “Fly… I did make that promise didn’t I.” I smile at her. “I’m fine cleaning up.” I walk over to her and hug her gently. “I’m glad that out of everyone I could have gone through that exhibit with, it was you, and you were as okay to leave when we did as you were.” I smile at her genuinely. 

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I stand up running a hand through my hair quickly. "I enjoyed it, despite the exhibit at the museum." I laugh and grin at her. "Next time, we must teach you how to fly." I say teasingly with a soft laugh. "Would you like some help cleaning up before I head out?"

Day 1: The Aqueum

I focus on getting the teapot down without damage then turn to Ginny, then look up at the darkening sky. “It is, isn’t it. Well, today was… an experience.” I say with a light laugh and stand up, stretching and enjoying it.