Asking for help - Closed

Asking for help - Closed

05-09-2011 09:32 PM

Madam Sara Puddifoot

Sara returned from the Owl Post Office to find Nat and Gab had not yet arrived. She had wanted to make sure the letters to Amir Tarik and Sasha went out as soon as the office was opened. Going to the kitchen area, Sara started the preparations for the day’s customers. Magically fixing a cup of her favorite tea, something she normally did not do, because it was not the proper way to prepare a cup of tea, she headed to the back table by the shelving unit which held all her nick-knacks from around the world. She sat down to enjoy the tea and try and put all the problems in perspective. She only succeeded in being more confused and although she would not admit it to anyone, she was scared for those she loved, and she had to admit, a little for herself.

Ever since her beloved Shamus had disappeared she had tried to remain independent, taking care of her own problems, but these circumstances were far beyond her abilities. Sara could act, and was confident enough to hold her own in any fight, but she had trouble sometimes, looking ahead to the results of actions. Her letter to Tarik had been to ask for help from an honored wizard not in T.O.E., since they would also be involved through Nat and Gab. Her letter said:



Her letter to Sasha had been short and to the point. If Sasha could come out of hiding then she would come. Sara hoped the girl, no she was a woman now, would not take any chances because of her request. It had been 12 or more years since Sara had given Sasha a goodbye hug. The entire letter said:



Now Sara must wait, which would be hard.

Tarik Sadiki

Tarik had just up, when a special owl post came in. After getting dress, he started to look at the envelope. Seeing the name of his half-sister’s friend, Tarik wondered what was so important and tore open the owl post.



Tarik knew that he would need to have a very long talk with Sara about her apologizing all the time. It was one of the reasons that he went by his first name. Tarik hated all the formality of his title. It was not if having the title of Amir had saved his grandfather or protected Tia. In fact, it was because of her birthright that Tia Andreas was being sought by his brother Khalid.

Tarik had not told Tia what he had suspected for fear for the young princess safety. He had only told two people of the truth concerning Tia. They were Miranda, his niece and Dempsey, his blood-brother.

Tarik read more of the letter.



Tarik realized that whatever was the problem that worried Sara, it had to do with Nathalie and Gabriel.

Could Tarik had been wrong trusting the beautiful vampire? No, Tarik thought not.

Having already decided to go to Sara’s Tea Shop, Tarik finished the letter.



Tarik realized that Sara was afraid of somebody seeing the letter. Tarik grabbed his wand and with a non-verbal spell destroyed the letter. Paying the owl, who had grown a little impatient, he turned to Horus, saying, “ I think it is time, we find out what could worry Sara so.”

With that Tarik and his falcon left Hogwarts for a trip to Hogsmeade. It took only seconds for them to arrive at the Tea Shop.

Looking at Sara, he said quizzly, “If you are having a problem Sara, then making sure nobody comes in unannounced, could help? Now what is the problem that a werewolf and a vampire can’t handle?”
05-10-2011 01:59 AM
Madam Sara Puddifoot
Sara almost dropped her tea cup as Tarik appeared out of nowhere in the center of her Tea Shop. She thought she was safe within her own walls, but if someone she trusted could enter so easily what about Artimis.



Slowly Sara rose from the chair without taking her eyes off of her visitor. After a few seconds she was able to regain the resemblance of composure and slowly walked toward Tarik. Extending her hand she said, “I am honored Amir Tarik…..oh, I mean Tarik. I thought I had the place sealed, but apparently not. Is there anything you could do? The only people I am expecting this early are Nat and Gab.” Sara realized her hand was shaking as she greeted Tarik, but she had already offered her hand and could not take it back now.

“I need your help Tarik. I am scared because we seem to have a visitor in our village that is very dangerous and I may have unknowingly given him the ability to go undetected until now. Nat has an old enemy toying with her, trying to scare or even,” Sara couldn’t say the rest, she felt weak. “Oh, I am sorry, would you like some tea? I have some special Egyptian coffee which has just arrived, from your sister. Could we have a seat, because this is an involved story and I am feeling a bit over whelmed at the moment?” Sara did not wait for Tarik to answer her inquiry about tea or coffee. She was just trying to keep moving. Sara started toward the kitchen, but tears started to cloud her eyes. She kept repeating to herself, “help, has arrived, help has arrived, it will be ok.” Sara turned and noticed Tarik watching her. “I am scared Tarik” with that she turned and made it the rest of the way to the kitchen where she leaned against the counter. She forced herself to concentrate on making up a tray of beverages and a couple muffins. Hopefully Nat and Gab would arrive soon to help with the explanation. Tarik liked Nat and Gab even knowing about them.

Picking up the tray she had to concentrate on serving her guests and making it back into the dining room to her private table at the back, near the case. “Come on Sara, you can do this, one foot in front of the other,” she kept repeating to herself. The dishes on the tray rattled a little, but she was making good progress or so she thought.

Tarik Sadiki



Tarik's arrival had shown him a few things. For one, whoever the problem was, Sara was more than a little worried. She thought that I was this problem., Tarik thought knowing of only a few races that would have that effect on Sara. Looking around, Tarik knew that it wasn't a centaur because the place would be a mess. Still thinking about the facts that Nat and Gab were mentioned, Tarik thought that the most logical suspects were a vampire or werewolf. Tarik thought more and likely a vampire, since werewolves also intended to destroy things.



Tarik kept watching Sara as he signaled Horus to be watchful. The falcon went to his special place above the door.



So Nat and Gab were both coming, that told Tarik that it probably was the vampire that Gab hated so much. Taking Sara's hand he said calmly, " The pleasure's mine,Sara. Relax, I am here and Horus will inform us if this intruder comes." He had not meant to shake her up so.



Tarik added the fact that Sara blamed herself for reasons that were not known. So Artemis is back. But is the beautiful Nathalie his target?, Tarik thought not. It was mostly likely that Gabriel was the target or somebody else. Tarik had never met the vampire personally, though the stories from his father told him enough about his enemy. The vampire was known to hardly ever go directly after his prey. Artemis liked to play games. So if he was showing himself to both Sara and Nat then, Tarik ruled them out as his target.

"Sara, you would not be the first that Artemis tricked into giving him entering. So stop blaming yourself, though I don't believe either you or Nat is his target. He is not one to announce his prey so easily. Though I admit, that I don't know the full story.",Tarik said trying to calm his friend. Now that Horus knew who to watch for, the falcon would let Tarik know if that old vampire dared to show himself.



Tarik realized that Sara was about to pass out. "Sara, did you get any sleep last night? Tea would be fine." , Tarik said as he cast the non-verbal spell Pulvinus at the floor around Sara.



Just as the tray was about to fall, Tarik did the non-verbal spell Wingardium Leviosa at the tray. Then looking at Sara he said calmly, "Sara, my dear please come and sit down. You need to relax. You are playing right into Artemis hands. If Nat sees you this nervous both her and Gab will think that Artemis paid you another visit."

Thinking about Gabriel, Tarik was almost positive that the werewolf was most likely not Artemis immediate target. Though Artemis hated Gab, he would want to target somebody that he could play with and hurt Gab and Nat at the same time. I need more information, to find his immediate target, Tarik thought frustrated though he believe it to be one of the children. Tarik also wondered if Artemis would leave the children alone if he knew a Medjai was guarding them. Tarik thought not, No, Artemis would probably just enjoy the challenge. I could ask Daniel to have him back off. Tarik knew he had no intention of owing that wizard any favors.

Just then the bell signaled, turning to the door, he saw Gab and Nathalie walk though.

Madam Sara Puddifoot



As Sara pushed the floating tray to the table in the back corner of the room, she started to feel a little calmer. Help had arrived. Help she could depend on. Although she could not relax she did know she was not afraid to blindly follow any directions given, especially by Tarik. She highly respected his mastery of situations. She sat in the seat facing the cabinet. The seats facing the front door would be needed for her friends. Tarik was there, Nat and Gab would be arriving soon. Sara wondered if her other friend would show. She had not heard from her and hoped she had not asked too much of Sasha. “Sasha, my dear girl, are you coming? Be safe my dear.” Sara thought to herself. Tarik and Gab would both be surprised, pleasantly she hoped, if she could come. A strong wall would be built around her friends, with advice coming from those her adopted family would listen too.



Tarik was right if Nat and Gab arrived and saw Sara nervous and jittery, there may be no time to have them listen to advice. Nat’s eyes would turn icy-blue. Gab would react to that fact and to how Sara appeared possibly running off to do something very unadvisable, without giving those who had greater experience a chance to work out some sort of plan. Gab had matured a lot and had become very proficient at protection and taking care of himself and his family. Although he hid it well Sara still saw a small frightened boy in his eyes sometimes when it came to protecting those he loved. Sara now only had to listen and do what was necessary that was her way.



Gabriel Mikhail Lupin

Gabriel had not gotten any sleep yet. Nathalie had finally told him last night that her great uncle Artemis was back. Gabriel was furious to say the least. That vampire just didn't know how to quit. Artemis seemed to take great pleasure in getting under Nathalie's skin. Well, Artemis I plan on seeing to it that your threats don't be come reality., thought Gab as he got coffee ready.

He was worried for Sara, who was like a second mother. Artemis must have a reason for gaining entry into the Tea Shop. Yeah, he could easily leave his little messages for Nat there now. Gab just knew there had to be more to it, then that.

He was pretty sure that the notes and presents were a distraction from what Artemis was really doing. Gabriel still wondered why had he not gotten anything from the old vampire yet. Before he could think too much on the fact that Artemis had made sure Gab had not seen him, Nat came in.

She told him that they were meeting up with Sara, Candance and Tarik at the Tea Shop. So, the Medjai was being brought into this. Gab knew that Candance was a friend of them both and as such he could see where Nat had went before coming home. Gabriel was just worried that Sara had called in the only person that Nat had yet to meet. If Sara had sent word to her, then his cousin Sasha McChey would not think twice but be on her way.

As they got to the Shop, Gabriel wondered what Sasha would think of Tia. Tia was Sasha's neice and had been having problems for the last three years.



Hearing the bell and walking though, Gab thought, "If Sasha comes, how am I going to explain about Marcus?" Looking at Sara, he noticed that she was extremely nervous. Could she have been visited by Artemis again, Gab didn't know but Nat's eyes were a deep ice-blue. With everything that he was seeing, Gab was having a hard time getting a rein on his own emotions.

Madam Sara Puddifoot

Sara turned in her chair as she heard the bell over the door ring. Her nerves were still on edge so it gave her a moment of fright, which soon passed when she realize who it was. Slowly she got up and walked toward the pair. It was hard, but this was still her Tea Shoppe and she always greeted her guest when she could. Both did not look like they had had any rest since Nat had left the shop the night before. Nat must have told Gab what was going on.

Gab was as tense as a two-by-four board so Sara walked to him first; she gave him a hug and whispered in his ear, “Everything is going to be alright, sweetheart. We have help here and more is arriving. You do not have to handle this on your own.” Sara added the last little part hoping it would help Gab settle down a bit. Giving Gab a gentle motherly shove toward the table in the back, she said, “Go say hi to our guests and have some tea.”

Sara looked at Nat and the first thing she noticed was her eyes. She gave Nat a hug and likewise whispered in her ear, “Everything is going to be alright, pumpkins. As you see I have sent for help, and more is coming. You need to take a deep breath. Calmer heads are here now. People Gab will listen too before running amuck. Let’s go have some tea.”

With this Sara returned to her seat. She was now surrounded with people who cared and would help each other. She still was hoping Sasha would come.

Sasha McChey

Sasha was looking at the urgent note that Sara sent her again as she left Hogwarts. All it said was : You are needed Sasha! Love Sara. She had left immediately. First coming to her old school to talk to the Headmaster. She was surprised to see her cousin Gab's best friend and old roommate as the Headmaster. He had surprised her by not only giving her a job as Flying Instructor but Joseph had asked her to be Deputy Headmistress. Sasha jumped on the chance, understanding that he needed somebody he trusted.

The reason she was just leaving for Sara's was due to Joseph and her talking about his secret group. She was glad that he had finally decided to take an active role in stopping Daniel. As she walked to the Tea Shop, she remembered her days at Hogwarts. She had known Daniel due to his relationship with her ex-roommate Grethen. She had even been Headgirl when Daniel was Headboy. Sasha had always had a dislike for Daniel. She thought him to be ego-driven.

Now as she got to the Tea Shop, she watched as Gabriel and a woman entered. Entering a little after they did, she witnessed Gabriel be kindly shoved to a back table, where a Medjai that she knew was. Sasha had met the Medjai Tarik, where she went to Egypt. She was trying to find a cure for her cousin.

As she wondered why he was there, she noticed that Gabriel was extremely tense. Sasha cleared her throat and said, "Gabriel, go sit down now! Tarik won't bite. Sorry I am late, Sara. But I was talking to Joseph about a job."

Sasha took Nathalie by the arm and led her to the back table said, " my dear, control your temper. Ice-blue eyes don't become you."

Looking at Tarik and Sara, she said as she prepared to sit down, "So what's up?" Sasha was not making light of the trouble, just trying to get Gab and his wife to calm down. Sasha knew that Sara would have never sent for her unless it was life or death. Sara was the only one that Sasha told her location.

Madam Sara Puddifoot

Just as Sara reached her chair and sat down, the bell over the door chimed again. It was still pretty early for customers, even her regulars. She turned in her chair and her whole face lite-up. The one person she had hoped for had finally shown up. Sasha could handle everything. With Tarik there and Sasha there, two people not emotionally involved in the problem, someone could look at angles from a different perspective. She wasn’t worried about Tarik and Sasha getting along; they would be fine as a team.



Sara did not know if Nat had ever met Sasha before, and she was not sure Sasha knew Nat was a vampire. There may be some contention there; Sara would just let it play out and see. She could always speak up if something needed to be said. She felt like she could finally think again.



Sara smiled broadly at Sasha. As she reached over and patted her arm she couldn’t help but say, “I am so glad you could come I don’t want you to be in danger. It has gotten a little scary around here. With Gab and my dear Nat involved, I knew I needed to try and get in touch with you. Sasha, they, we need your help.” Sara gave a general wave to indicate everyone. “If you can’t stay long, I will understand, but it calms me to see you have come. I have missed you.”

Sara thought it was best for Sasha to get the story from Nat and Gab, so she finished with. “I will go and get some more tea cups, while you all get acquainted. Everything will be ok now.” She smiled at Nat and Gab and gave Tarik a nod of thanks. With this she headed for the kitchen calmer than she had been in the last 24 hours.

Flo Richards

Flo Richards and her friend Pippin English had some time off from their classes so they had decided to walk to Hogsmeade and visit Sara Puddifoot at the Tea Shoppe. They had spent a lot of time there before they had received their acceptance letters to teach at Hogwarts. Sara had been the first to congratulate them on their achievement. They both liked Sara and a friendship had grown fast between the three women. Flo knew Pippin’s leg did not hurt when they walked but still she felt she needed to not rush her friend, so the walk was slow and leisurely.

Flo loved hearing about Pippin’s travels with the circus as a fortune teller. She had learned it was not all glamour traveling from place to place with “the greatest show on earth”. Apparently although most of the people were kind, good, honest citizens who would never cause a problem; there had been an unsavory element, as in any society, which seemed to draw problems to them. Pippin needed to think fast in several situations because no one in the circus knew she was a witch, not even the owner. She had been forced to learn some Muggle fighting techniques such as karate and she even took a few lessons in boxing.

Flo laughed when Pippin told her about the man who thought he was going to rob her. She admitted she had used magic to knock him out, but when she told the story to the police and the rest of the circus crew, she embellished the deed with visual proof she knew hand-to-hand combat. She added sounds such as yells and grunts to her story to the circus personnel. Flo had a hard time walking she was laughing so hard, as Pippen re-demonstrated the story.

Before they knew it they were at the Tea Shoppe. It was still early and both wondered if Sara had even opened yet. Pippin tried the door and it opened with the familiar chime of the overhead bell. It was a little surprising though to find a familiar falcon guarding the door. Apparently they were not the first customers of the day.

As they entered, they noticed they were not even the second or third customer. With Sara was Professor Tarik, Natalie, Sara’s helper, and from the description Nat had given, her husband Gab was also there. Also present was the new Deputy Head Mistress and Flying instructor, Sasha McChey. Something was going on of importance. Both Flo and Pippin were undecided on whether to interrupt, leave or maybe just find a quiet table. The walk back would not be pleasant without at least a little refreshment. The decision was made for them as Sara came toward them.

(OOC: I write Flo Richards, Pippin English and Sara Puddifoot)

Madam Sara Puddifoot

Sara heard the ringing of the bell over the door. She knew the newcomers were ok because Tarik’s falcon had not given alarm. As she came out of the kitchen with a fresh tray of refreshments she looked in the direction of the door. She only half smiled, because two friends had walked in who may not want to get involved. Setting the tray on the closest table she walked to the door. “Hi, you two.” Was all she said as she led them over to the stairs leading upstairs. It was getting close to the time her regular customers would arrive and near the stairs would allow them to be out of the way of the general movement pattern.

“We have had some trouble here at the Tea Shoppe,” she started. “As you can see a group of friends are getting together to see if we can fix the problem. It has nothing at the moment to do with the school.” Sara paused, because she did not know if she should invite her two friends to join in the solution. Both were very capable, she knew but would it be right to ask. She decided to see what they thought. “We have a wizard hunting down Nat and Gab, basically toying with them at the moment, but it could get dangerous for them and for anyone involved. Do you think maybe you would like to join us? We could sure use the help. If you hear the full story and decide not to join, that will be ok, I will understand. You are both new to our community and maybe you do not want to get involved.” Sara paused again. She watched as Pippen and Flo exchanged glances and nods. Without saying a word, each one of them got on a side of Sara, took an arm in theirs walking her to the table where everyone was located. Sara whispered, “I guess this is a yes than. Ok, let me introduce you to everyone, although I think you know almost all.”

As they got to the table Sara did a round of introductions. She then retrieved the tray from the other table and sat back in her chair. The only one she still would like to have seen was Joseph the Headmaster, but she understood he needed to be at the school. Sara had been so proud when Joseph had received his appointment to the school. He had bigger problems than this. There were enough representatives from Hogwarts to keep him well informed.

Tarik Sadiki

Tarik was about to do a non-verbal calming spell on both Nat and Gab, when an old friend walked in. Old friend was not exactly how you addressed Sasha McChey. Sasha was young and full of life. Tarik wished he was a little younger, than he would not have fought his father on his idea of marriage to Sasha.

If anybody could handle her cousin Gab, it would be Sasha. She had handled Tarik enough times, that he knew her skills. Tarik nodded Sasha way as they all sat down. Maybe now, Tarik would get the full story. He knew one thing though it had to be life or death for Sasha to come out of hiding. Had he heard her right, would she be working at Hogwarts? Tarik smiled as he agreed with Sasha saying, "Okay, I for one want to know everything." Turning to Gab and Nat, he said, "We can only help if we know the details."

Looking up he saw to others from the school come in. They were his new found daughter-in-law and her friend. He hoped they were coming to help. Tarik wondered if Flo had told her friend or Sara of his and her connection.

Realizing as they came over that maybe this was not the proper place to have a meeting, he looked to Sara and then to his favorite back room. Hoping she would get the message, he said calmly, "Sara if anybody else comes, Horus will let us know."

Tarik had trained Horus to signal both friend or foe. Though looking at Horus, if a certain foe showed his falcon would not just signal. If Artemis did show then Horus would give the signal and then the falcon would attack. The only vampire or werewolf that Horus happened to like was Nat and Gab. It was one of the reasons that Tarik trusted the two. Another was his instincts. The most important reasons were at the school.

Madam Sara Puddifoot



Sara noticed Tarik motioning to his favorite back room, the one decorated as an Egyptian Tea room of sorts. She had actually done the decorating when he and Candace had visited last year. She had gotten in touch with one of Tarik’s sisters, who was a supplier and asked her what she should include in the room. It had been a real joy to do and her friend Tarik seemed to think it was done correctly, which pleased Sara.

Sara stood up and motioned to the hallway leading to the three back private tea rooms. “If everyone would like to be a little more comfortable we can take our meeting to the Egyptian Tea Room and enjoy our refreshments. Gab would you be so kind as to carry our tray to the tearoom? I am not sure the house elves have had time to make up a tray.” She led the way down the hall. Reaching the last of the three rooms she opened the door and entered to make sure the house elves had cleaned properly and had not broken anything. “Tarik, since you were here last, I have added, small doors at the back of the rooms leading to the kitchen, as a pass-through. They can be locked from both sides. Considering what we are dealing with, could you please further lock them?” As she waited for everyone to enter, she added a few chairs and cushions. A tray also already sat on the back table under the butler door with cups, dishes, spoons, forks, napkins, teapot, coffee pot and snacks on it. She indicated for Gab to place his tray next to the other one.

“If we get any customers I will answer the bell. Nat you and Gab tell your story. I will catch what I can, and will find out later anything I may have missed. Now have I missed anything in making you all comfortable?”

Nathalie Lupin



Nat noticed that Gabriel had not talked since last night. He had every right to be furious with her. She had expected his anger when she had told him about the presents she had been receiving the last six months. Instead he had done something unexpected, Gabriel had become silent, too silent in Nathalie's mind. Now as she watched him take the tray that Sara asked him to bring to the Egyptian Tea Room, she wondered if this was what Artemis had counted on.



Nat watched as Tarik pulled his wand and did something as his wand glowed. She could only assume that it was a non-verbal spell as he nodded afterwards to Sara.



It looked like the house-elves had been expecting Tarik as Nat could see some of his favorite foods on the back table. Nat had wondered she and Gab would fix this when Gabriel was not even talking to her. Just then the woman who had told her that seemed to calm her,went over to Sara. Nat had no idea who the woman was, but she seemed to know Tarik as well.



As Gab put the tray down, Nat sat down on a cushion. She looked over at each of the others in the group and wondered if she had just handed these people over to her uncle. Looking at her husband she saw for the first time in several weeks a smile cross his face. Nat wondered what Gab was thinking as he and the others sat down. When Gab sat right next to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek, she was really confused. Nat realized though that her husband had finally gave her the inner reassurance that she needed.

Nat looked at Sara and tapped the seat next to her. It was then that she saw the house-elf shut the door as he went to wait for the morning customers.



Nat looked at Sara and said with a sly smile, "Sara, I think Darik has other ideas. I think he just sealed us in." Nat knew that of all the house-elves Darik was the only one that seemed to listen more to Tarik then Sara. Nat had not even seen Darik, so to see him now meant that he had waited until he was sure somebody would see him shut the door. When Nat had asked Sara how she had gotten him, she had been told that he had come with Egyptian Tea. Now Nat wondered if Tarik's sister had sent the elf to protect Sara.

Nathalie said calmly, "Before I say too much, I need to know how much you guys know about a vampire by the name of Artemis. The reason is a simple one. He has been seen in Hogsmeade." She wanted to trusted that these people could handle things but she was not about to lead them to slaughter. Nat looked at Tarik and Sara as if to say, he came after Sara because she is my friend, I have no intention of leading him to anybody else. From the look that Tarik and Sara was giving her, Nat knew that she was about to get her facts straighten. Looking confused Nat wondered if what new information she didn't know.

As Sara started to speak, Nat wondered how powerful these friends really were. Could they really take on one of the oldest vampires in the world. Nat was unsure as she had seen many wizards flee from her great-uncle. Nat had seen that look in Sara's eyes before, Sara was about to give Nat a major talking too and Nat was sure it would first be about the capabilities of the one that seemed to be able to calm both her and Gab with words. She just hoped that Sara understood her fears because if they failed then Hogwarts would fall. Nat shook at the memories of her uncle's words.

Madam Sara Puddifoot



Sara watched as Tarik did a sweep of the room. When he and Candace had been here, she knew he had added some extras. This was the room he usually used when he wanted to just be alone and meditate or visit with friends. He and Sara had even had a few conversations about life in general in this room. Sara considered him a great teacher, although he would not own up to the praise. Now she was going to ask something of him, she wasn’t sure she had the right too. Tarik’s nod signified he had accomplished a safety sweep and was ready to get started.



One of the things Sara noticed to her great surprise was a full tray of tea, coffee and snacks. Especially some of the ones Tarik was partial too. There was only one way they could have gotten there, because Sara had missed asking for them before friends had arrived. She wondered where the little elf was though.

As she looked around to make sure there were enough seats, Sasha finished talking with Tarik and came over to where she was standing. By just looking in her Sasha’s eyes Sara knew everything would be covered as far as protection for their meeting. They were safe to finally get everyone on the same page. Sara squeezed Sasha’s hand, looked over at Tarik and took a deep breath.



Noticing Gab’s kiss to Nat on her cheek, Sara relaxed even a little more. The young man had been so tense when he had arrived. He had been planning something before he saw that Sasha was among the visitors. He trusted his cousin to know what to do. For now Sara was confident he would relax and see how things progressed. Sara knew Sasha could reason with Gab if events got out of hand. Gab was kind and gentle, but he tended to over react to circumstances sometimes.

Sara smiled at Nat and took the chair not far from her. Her days of sitting on cushions were passed.



When Sara was trying to make sure everything in the room was perfect, she had missed the door being shut. Darik was at it again, taking things into his own hands. She had to admit though he had proved his worth over the few years he had been with her. When he had first arrived Sara had not been too sure about why Tarik’s sister had sent him, but he had cleared up some situations which had arisen between some overzealous customers from out of town, and he seemed to be able to read her mind, as far as things needed around the Tea Shoppe. He was also the only house-elf allowed in the kitchen.



Sara did not wait for anyone else to speak. “Everyone please help yourselves to the refreshments. If I would be allowed by everyone, I will speak first and give introductions. Nat I have called everyone together, who I know can help. The only one not here who I was hoping for is the Head Master of Hogwarts, but with others present, I know he will be kept up on the news, and if need arise he will give his impute.”

“To start, I think you have met Flo Marshall-Richards, the Muggle Studies teacher at Hogwarts and of course you have also met Pippin English, the Arithmancy Professor from their visits to the Tea Shoppe. They just happened to stop by and have, I hope not to their later regret, agreed to join us.” Sara looked over at Flo and Pippin and smiled. “Flo is a very competent Witch and I am confident she will stand behind family,” Sara looked over at Tarik, and then gave a little wink to Flo because Flo had told her about Tarik being her father-in-law, ”and friends, and Pippen has some qualities which she hides but her circus days have added to her repertory of abilities.”

“You also know Tarik from his many visits to my establishment. I realize you know, but some may not know, Tarik is a very powerful Medjai, and although it may not be generally known, is a Prince with powers he has not revealed to many.” Sara turned her attention to Tarik and caught the chagrin in his eyes. He had settled himself comfortably onto one of the cushions which could be fashioned into a chair or couch of sorts depending on how the person wanted to sit. His eyes were taking in everything. He gave her a small smile and nod, so she continued.

“The last person you have not met. Let me introduce Sasha McChey, Gab’s cousin. Sasha has come at my request from….well I will let her go into that later if she wishes. Sasha, I have discovered is now Deputy Headmistress, Flying Professor at Hogwarts School, among other duties.” Sara smiled at Sasha. “I always knew that young man, Joseph Witchard, had a good head on his shoulders when it came to hiring people. Sasha is a match for any wizard. I trust her with my life. If she said I needed to jump off the Cliffs of Zanzabar, I would not ask why I would just jump. Maybe that seems like an over exasperation, and I use it to make my point.”

Sara figured she would take the blame for bringing Artemis into their area. “I do need everyone to understand Nat is not the one who brought this monster to our door. I will take the blame for bringing this low life into Hogsmeade and giving him access to this Shoppe. I had a supplier once,“ Sara’s voice cracked a little, because Shamus had been more than a supplier, he had been her betrothed, “who was replaced by a man I know as Art Lesser. He told me he had bought the business from Shamus, my previous dealer. Shamus has never returned and….well, he just has never returned. I have let Art enter the Tea Shoppe, kitchen area and even wonder around back here. He was never allowed upstairs. I thought he was really nice; he even bought me a present, like Shamus used to do. Through me he has gotten access to Nat, Gab and even the children.” Sara stopped for a moment. She needed Nat to understand these people together were a formidable group.

Sara looked into Nat’s eyes. “Nat, my love, even though these people,” Sara made a sweep of the room with her hand, “do not know all the facts, they have come together to help. This group is strong, and does not run from badgering by a wizard who thinks too highly of himself and has taken the wrong turn in the road.

Your job now is to fill everyone in on the facts from your point of view.” Sara made a point to look in Gab’s direction, “Gab, you need to trust us also. Sasha is your family and knows about the past. All I ask of you is to please check with her before… “ Sara paused for a moment because she was not sure how to phrase what she needed to say, because Gab was a very proud man, ”before, you change any plans which may have been discussed.” Sara fervently hoped that would at least give Gab some second thoughts before taking on Artemis, by himself.

Looking back at Nat, Sara smiled and reached out to gently squeeze her shoulder, “It will be alright, sweetheart. We as a group can handle this, I am absolutely sure.” With this she waited for Nat to fill in the details which everyone needed to know.

Nathalie Lupin



Nat listened as Sara talked about Flo and was pleasantly surprised at the moment of a family connection to Tarik. She wondered what Pippen hid.



She knew about Tarik and was glad that he had the time to help. The Medjai were taught from their first magic and guessed that Tarik was probably taught from a very young age most likely about six.



So the woman with the calming voice was her husband’s cousin. Nat wondered if this was the one that Gab trusted with his life. If that was the case then Nat figured that Sasha knew all about Artemis and probably had her own score to settle. Nathalie realized that it had not taken long for the woman to get the second highest position at Hogwarts. She was starting to realize that there was hope for Hogwarts against her great-uncle. Gabriel must have been thinking the same and Nat now understood his smile. Who better to protect Hogwarts then it’s teachers. Nathalie smiled as she realized that she could not have picked a better team.



Nat just wondered if Sasha had met Tia yet. How could you protect a girl when her first instinct was to run?,Nat wondered.



Nat remembered what had worried her concerning Artemis’ visits to the Tea Shop. She listened as Sara told about where her uncle had been allowed.



When Sara talked about Artemis had been allowed to come in to the back rooms, she saw Tarik smile. The Medjai did not seem worried that a vampire could now come into this room. Nat started to get a little light headed and wondered if Artemis had done something to the room.



Nat nodded and watched as Gabriel smiled.



Nathalie still wondered what had made her light-headed but didn’t worry as it had passed. She looked at the group as she started by saying, “I am glad that you all are at Hogwarts. My great-uncle has hinted that it will be attacked and destroyed. He seemed to enjoy telling me, though I had the feeling that he was not saying all that was planned. ” When she finished she was shaking though she tried to hide it. Her uncle had not answered her about Tia and that worried Nathalie. Nat figured either Artemis was already involved with the attacks on Tia or he had his own plans concerning Gabriel’s young cousin as well as the children.

Pippin English

Pippin limped over to the refreshment table and fixed a cup of tea for her and Flo. Handing the tea cup to Flo she settled into a chair near by with a clear view of the room and its occupants. The view was not too different from when the circus troop would sit and discuss what had happened during the day’s performances. There was a Medjai, a werewolf, a vampire, older lady, two younger ladies, both of which although laid back, could react quickly and Pippin. It was an interesting group to fight evil.

Pippin had spent about a third of her life in the circus environment. During that time she had learned how to take care of Muggle animals, how to control them and understand them. It may not come in handy but she could control them with her wizard powers. She smiled as she thought of the time one of the lion’s had gotten loose. The troop had thought she was crazy walking up to the lion and leading it back to the cage. If they only knew, she was a real witch and not the one she pretended to be, and she had used a spell to allow the lion to be lead, they probably would have disowned her.

One other time, she had some small animals attack a visitor who had decided to cause problems with the general public watching the show. He sure was surprised when all the bugs in the place decided it would be nice to crawl on him. The judge had said it was his own fault going to the circus and sitting where he did on the bleachers. It would be a while before he attended the Big top again.

The one other thing Pippin had to offer was knowledge of Muggle fighting, and the backbone to use it when necessary. Others took her limp as a weakness, but since the accident happened when she was eight, she had learned a long time ago how to compensate. At times she has even used an exaggerated limp to really make others think they did not have to worry about how much trouble she would be. Although it was not adequate against magic, it could be used as a surprise tactic against wizards, because they would not expect you to calmly walk up to them and deck them with a right uppercut punch. She had learned how to kick and hit the pressure points in the human body to inflict the best results.

For now she would sit back and listen to what was going on. She was here because of her best friend, Flo and the other teachers who were taking part. This was going to be interesting.

Flo Richards

Flo looking around the room from her chair near a the wall. She noticed Pippin limping toward the trays on the sideboard at the back of the room. Pippin was nice enough to bring her some tea, “Thanks, Pip. A cup of tea would be fantastic. Strange group we have joined.” Flo looked back into the room as Pippin sat in the chair next to her.

Her new found father-in-law was doing some non-verbal’s towards various sections of the room. She knew she could depend on him to let her know how she could best help. Flo listened as Sara explained to Nat who everyone was in the group.



The wink Sara gave her confirmed she remembered what Flo had told her about Tarik. It was still a little strange to think he was her father-in-law, and it took a trip of thousands of miles to find him. Flo had always believed you never meet a person by accident, there is always a reason why things happen which will bring you in contact with someone new. Flo smiled at Tarik and nodded.



Flo had talked with Pip on many an occasion. Pip could surprise this group with abilities which would be useful. She was brave, resourceful and calm during emergencies. She was also an excellent story teller. Flo knew she could depend on Pippen also.



Both Flo and Pippin had recently had several conversations with the new Deputy Headmistress both in a formal capacity and in a friendlier inviroment. Flo was very impressed someone so young knew so much. She was smart and could think on her feet. She was also well mannered and as they would say at home in the United States, she was classy. There was no doubt in Flo’s mind that Sasha would be taking one of the primary roles in their little adventure.



Nat was really listening to what Sara said. The thought hit Flo, since Nat was a vampire, how old was she really. Surely she was not really in her teens or early 20’s? She was smart and it was easy to tell Gab cared about her. Flo took another sip of her tea and waited to see what was going to happen next.

Nathalie Lupin

As Gab gave her a small nod, Nat knew that she had waited long enough. These people would all that stood between Artemis and Hogwarts, especially if TOE failed. She first looked at Sasha as if to say that she still felt responsible for what had happen to the McChey clan. Started to wonder if Flo or Pippen had ever had to deal with a vampire. Looking at the two women, that seemed to be no match for her let alone her great uncle.

Sasha must have realized what she was thinking because she quietly said, "Nathalie, as you well know appearances can be deceiving. Do you think anyone would guess that you are a hundred and twenty years old? I think not. And before you ask how I know, Sara has kept me up to speed on my family. Yes, I know about both Tamika's and Marcus' deaths as well as what is happening concerning young Tia."

Nathalie was about asking then why had she not shown sooner, but the look Sasha gave her was as if to say who says I haven't. Gabriel just smiled as if he should have known she would have come if she thought it was necessary. He gave her a look as to say tell them, you'll feel better.

So Nat started by saying, "Then you know that Artemis is at least 200 years old. He also hates Gabriel and blames him for my leaving. My great uncle has been sending me presents for the last six months. Two nights ago, I felt him and confronted him about the gifts. I also told him that I was making my own choices now and that he was to leave and never return. He laughed and said, "So bold, indeed. You hide beneath the shadow of an ancient school surrounding yourself with those not of your equal, resisting the base impulses that come from just being what you are. You wish me away like some childhood nightmare. If it wasn't for me then you wouldn't have the power you waste. You make the choices I allow you to make, niece. Never forget that.With each passing day his force become stronger and stronger and soon, that precious school will be wreathed in a holy conflagration and all who stand against us shall fall!Watch as everyone around you, everyone you love perishes. Watch as everything you hold dear is ripped from you and you are powerless to prevent it!"

Nathale stopped as she let them come to terms with his threats both to her friends as well as to the school. When they were ready she would answer any questions they may have. Though if they asked why he wanted her back so bad, Nat had no idea why unless it was because she was a vampire that still could use a wand. She had been told by Tarik that was very rare as was the fact that she could walk in the daylight. Looking at the group, she said calmly though she was shaken on the inside, "Any Questions about what I told you so far?"

Nat wanted this group to know what they were up against, though she was unsure about whether to link him the Seven. She did not want this group to think that they had to take on the Seven, that group was TOE's problem.

Madam Sara Puddifoot

Sara watched with the eyes of a business owner who had to see what her customers wanted before they even knew. Tarik sat taking everything in; she knew he was not missing anything because she realized he was even better at reading people than she was. He could pick up on things she would miss in either body language or voice tone. He had told her once it was “reading someone’s heart”, which had described it nicely.



Neither Flo nor Pippin seemed upset about Nat’s misjudgment of them. Sara realized they knew what they were getting themselves into. Both women were relaxed and trying to read the room. Flo had told Sara once, although she did not have a hard life, she had learned how to protect her charges when she was a Nanny. The family she had worked for were pure-blood wizards, who had made a few enemies of their own. Flo had taken her job as Nanny and security guard very seriously. She had studied under some very powerful wizard DADA teachers. Now she also would have Tarik to back her up and she would stand beside him, because he was family.

Pippin had never really told Sara much. She was a very private person. When Sara had asked Flo, very discreetly about Pip’s limp, Flo had only said she did not have to worry about Pippin. The circus had taught her well. Sara’s eyes caught Pippin and there was a very confident look, coming from the older woman. Pippin nodded and smiled.



Sara had not known Artemis was so old. She had just found out a couple days earlier how old Nathalie was, even though she looked like she was in her late teens. She knew about the gifts because of a very lengthy talk, Nat and she had the night before. As she listened one thing did catch her attention. Nat was explaining about what Artemis had said to her.



She waited until Nathalie had finished before she asked her first question. “Nat dear, you said your Uncle told you, and I hope I am quoting you correctly ‘With each passing day his force become stronger and stronger….’, Sara quoted back putting an emphases on the word his. “Who is this other person your Uncle was talking about? Does your uncle have a boss and is not acting on his own? How big a force are we talking about? Everyone in this room will fight to protect, you, Gab, the children and the school, but if this is too big, maybe we need to bring in outside help.” She looked over to Gab, “Gab, I know you will be informing a certain group of what is happening, so that is will cover some of the problem.” She looked over in Tarik’s direction, “Maybe we should discretely bring in an Auror or two so we have information on other possible avenues.” Looking back to the main group she continued, “We need to gather all our strength and not be walking into each other’s way.” Sara stopped there and sat back in her chair. It was her turn to listen and give comments when asked. She was not a good planner, but she knew she was in a room with those who could plan and had gotten themselves out of many problems just using their wits.

Pippin English

Pippin sat up in her chair a little straighter. She had also caught the reference to another possible party this Artemis may work for. The werewolf sounded dangerous, but if he was holding off for others to join in then there was a bigger plan in the works somewhere. Just taking out him might protect Nat, Gab, and their children, but it would not end the problem. Their efforts would be like putting a bandage on a very deep wound and not getting it looked at by professionals.



Pippin was planning on staying in the process, but she would at least like to know how many different directions she had to watch as they proceeded. She decided to give some impute on the question, “Nat, I agree with Sara. We may just start tripping over each other’s feet, if we do not know who could possibly be coming from different directions. I am not sure about getting the Auror’s involved, never did have much luck with them during my circus days. I will leave that to greater minds. I am also not sure what the group Gab will be talking to is all about, but I have heard rumors.” Pippin was a good listener and people liked to talk to her. She would just let them talk, because she learned a lot, by listening. A friend of hers in the circus said Pippin seemed to be able to see the words as well as hear them.

“So, we have our little group, Gab’s group, and maybe a little law enforcement. We could very easily be covering the same ground as each other and possible covering up, not on purpose of course, what everyone should know. Does anyone know anyone who is or can be a member of all these groups? Sort of a liaison, if that makes sense.” Pippin sat back and took a sip of her tea. She looked over at Flo in the chair next to her and questioned her with her eyes, if she had done the right thing. Flo nodded. Both women turned back to the group.

Nathalie Lupin



Nathalie had known that repeating her great uncle Artemis’ words would bring up questions about the group that the vampires had allied themselves with. Looking at Sara, she said, “The group that Artemis spoke of is being handled by others. Our concern is Artemis, a vampire that has taught me everything I know. He has skills that even I have no idea how to combat. The only thing that he doesn’t have is use of a wand. For some reason still unknown to me, I am the only one of my kind to still be able to cast spells.”



Nat listened. Looking at Gab, she saw him nod.



Nat wondered how Sara knew that some Auror would listen to a Medjai.

Watching Tarik as he said, “I know just the Aurors. Consider it done.”



Nathalie smiled at Sara. She knew that her husband and her would keep TOE updated. It seemed that Tarik had a few Auror friends besides Candance.



Nat watched and listened as the woman spoke. She seemed to not trust Aurors. To ease the woman’s mind Nat said calmly, “If a Medjai says he knows just the Aurors, I for one trust whoever it is. Medjai are a whole lot more picky of who they call friend.”

Turning to Tarik, Nat smiled thinking of Tia’s godfather Seth and the handpicked team. Still smiling Nathalie said, “Plus I have a feeling these Aurors are already involved. Am I right, Tarik?”

Nat saw Tarik’s sly grin and knew that somehow he had a contact in Seth’s crew. All Nat had to figure out was who.



Nat thought about what Pippin said.



When Flo nodded, Nat said quietly, “It seems that Gab and I will keep the others informed. If we just deal with Artemis, the others can deal with his friends. Tarik can keep the Aurors informed, though his contact.”

Taking a breath before continuing, “ Friends don’t get me wrong. Artemis and his vampires are going to be more than a hand full. His friends are a very bad batch of wizards, but nothing that they others can’t handle. We will need to focus everything we have at figuring out what my great uncle has planned. Plus, we have to consider that Artemis might be playing decoy. That is why only this group will focus on him and his vampires. That way if he is trying to keep the others busy while his friends do the real attack, he will be in for a surprise.”

Thinking for a few minutes, Nat said, “I have learned to suspect anything that Artemis gives up too easily. He was too eager for me to know about the coming attack, for me to believe that is his main target. He could be targeting a student, a teacher, or even the headmaster. Though I don’t think it will be at the school. It comes back to Artemis took his time to get entry into this Tea Shop, before he sent me presents. Why? Artemis don’t do anything without having a reason. So why out of all the shops in Hogsmeade does he want entry here? We figure out that, we find his target. Any ideas?”

Madam Sara Puddifoot



Sara sat and watched the interaction in the room. From what she saw, all their lines of communication were covered. She had learned personally a long time ago, communication could mean the difference between acting and reacting in time to situations. As Nat had put it though their focus was on Artemis and his flunkies. He was a dangerous vampire but the group had two things going for it. Artemis could not come out during the daytime and he personally could not use a wand. Maybe something along the lines of divide and conquer could work with him. Divide him from his protective group and take him out. Sara would have to think on this before she brought up any suggestions.



This was an interesting premise. If Natalie had figured it right, then the Tea Shoppe was important to Artemis, but why. Sara thought about the history of the Tea Shoppe. “Nat, if you are suggesting he is after the Tea Shoppe, I cannot figure out why. The building has been here for 150 plus years. You say Artemis is 200 years old, so that does put it in his age range. Before it was a barn of sorts but that was torn down. About 50 years ago, when I was a young girl, my father enlarged the kitchen, and added the screened back porch. These three sitting rooms were one big store room, which I divided about 10 years ago into what you see now. All of the contents of the store room have since been used, given away, destroyed or a few things have been re-stored.”

“Let’s see what else,” Sara pondered as she thought about the building. “The upstairs used to be two separated apartments, but when my parents decided to travel for the rest of their lives, I made the area into one apartment.” She looked at Nat and continued, “You said he could not get up there because I have never taken him up there, but you have been up the steps, so could he use that to go upstairs?”

“There is a small cellar below the kitchen. Originally it was used to hide in, when trouble came to Hogsmeade. Now I keep some special supplies in it and the few things I kept from the old store room. The trap door is in the corner of the kitchen and is kept locked. I have the key right here.” Sara reached into her apron pocket, brought out a small collection of keys and then replaced them to their original safety. “Artemis has personally delivered some coffee samples. But nothing else except for the small statue he gave me once.”

“I have never found anything out of the ordinary when I have cleaned. The walls are solid beams and there is no crawl space beneath the floor or between the ceiling and the second floor. I would be really happy though if someone would check things out for me. Something I look at everyday may mean something different to someone else.”

“As far as visitors, there has been a few outsiders come and go. No one who stood out or asked questions they should not have. Students of course come and go.” Sara remembered one, no two strange student occurrences. “Third years come and look a lot more than they buy. I have even had a first year show up. Two years ago a cute very petite blond girl came in and ordered a pumpkin juice. I do not like young ones being out without the standard introduction to Hogsmeade the third years receive. Being worried about her, I watched her leave. She went to the Joke shop, then headed back toward school. I watched until she was well on her way up the road. Last year she came again, had pumpkin juice, sat at the same table, left, visited the joke shop and headed back toward school.”

Sara looked at Tarik, sitting quietly. She knew he would not talk unless he had something to add, because that was just how the Medjai were, she had learned. She sure would like to know what was going on in his thoughts. Looking back at Nat, she waited to see if anyone had picked up on anything she said not realizing a bit of information was important.
06-22-2011 12:52 PM
Flo Richards
Flo listened as Sara described the history of the Tea Shoppe. Several interesting facts could offer possible clues.



Flo had spent a lot of time on a farm and barns had been one of her favorite places. There were always dark corners. Items usually were stored in the rafters. Cold cellars were usually connected to the side of the house; she had seen some connected to barns, especially if the barn was close enough to the main dwelling.



If the kitchen had been enlarged out from the restaurant area, something may have been buried in the ground. Now she was thinking like a child, looking for lost treasure. She chided herself and tried to think like an adult.



Flo thought about the things which may have been in the store room, they may hold a clue. One fact kept creeping back into Flo’s thoughts. This Artemis guy only seemed to start coming around recently, for say the past few months, maybe a little longer. If Nat was correct he was not after anyone at the school, and he didn’t seem to be rapidly trying to trap her or her husband Gab then he had either recently found information on an item in the shop which he wanted or a visitor was being watched for, who had not arrived yet.

Flo cleared her throat and voiced her opinion. “There seem to be several possibilities. Everything from hidden treasure,” at this she smiled and let out a small chuckle. She continued, “We need to check out a few spots, such as the cellar, or anywhere else Sara may have stored items. We need to double check items Artemis has left such as the special coffee orders.”

Flo rose and went to refill her tea cup. She smiled at her father-in-law as she walked past him and silently offered to refill his cup. “One other possibility is that Artemis is waiting for someone else to show up. He has only taken an interest in the place for a short period of time. I think we should check the students even though Nat thinks the possibility of one of them being his target is slim. If first years can sneak out past the Auror’s at the gate then Artemis could possibly be enticing one of them, of any age, out somehow. To the younger ones it would be a great adventure, and the older one’s would want to prove they could handle themselves.” With this statement she sat back down and took a sip of tea. She knew there was other information they needed. Not information someone was purposely keeping to

Tarik Sadiki

Tarik had been quiet while the three women spoke. There was a few things that caught his attention. First was Nathalie’s unwillingness to give the name of the group of friends that Artemis had allied himself with. Which told him a few things, either this group was not much of a threat or they were so powerful that she fear for the others safety. He figured it was the latter as she said that her and Gab’s friends would deal with them.

The second was the fact that Artemis had indeed come in to the Tea Shop in the first place. Tarik smiled as he had to agree with Nat that he whole plan was based on whether he got access to this shop. He also did not believe that the attack would happen at the school. The reason was simple as far as Tarik knew Artemis would have to be invited. Tarik was pretty sure that Joseph would die before he allow the vampires into the school.

The third thing was that he had left some things behind. Tarik would check every place and thing that Artemis had access to before he left. The gift to Sara intrigued him as it was not in the vampires’ nature to just give a gift. Gifts were usually given when the person had helped the vampire in some way. Tarik just wondered how Sara had helped Artemis.

The fourth was the fact that a first year had been able to leave the school. If the girl was who he thought it was, no wonder why he was asked by Dempsey to keep an eye on the girl. Who ever had allowed her out would be watched if they were still here.

When the women were finished, Tarik sat up straighter with determination on his face as he said, “There is a few things I have noticed. They are for one that unless you invite a vampire in to a room, he can’t pass the door. So I believe Nat is right in saying that Artemis can’t go into your apartment, Sara. I also believe he can’t enter the school. The Headmaster is way too protective to allow that.”

He paused for a few minutes before continuing, “Sara, with your permission I want to see everything that he had access to. Vampires only give gifts, if somebody either did a job for them or if they helped them somehow. Now I know you, Sara. You don’t work for them, so that leaves the fact that Artemis thinks that you helped him somehow. The question is to find out how him entering the Tea Shop, helps him.”

Stopping to look at Sasha, for if he was right about who the girl was, then Artemis had figured out who she was. That meant another Tormentor and yet another target on the young girl’s back.

Looking at Gab, Tarik realized that the man was thinking the same thing. Gab was showing how much he was determined not to let the vamp. Anywhere near his cousin.

When his daughter-in-law Flo asked if he needed a refill, Tarik said, “No daughter, but could you be a dear and make Gab a cup?” Taking a vial out of his robes, he handed it to Flo, saying, “Add five drops from this to his cup.”

Looking back at Sara, Tarik finished his detailed thoughts asking, “Sara what really interests me is the fact that a first year was allow out of Hogwarts. I think I know this girl as does at least four others in this room. If it is her, then the Auror that let her pass the gate will be answering not only the four that are connected to the child but Seth Wright as well. What I need to confirm it, is a detailed description of the girl that has enter here. Also was Artemis anywhere near where the girl sat?”

Flo Richards



When Flo silently asked her father-in-law if he need a refill on his tea, he asked her to make a cup for Gab. Before she could ask him why he handed her a small vile of liquid. His added request was for her to add five drops of the liquid to Gab’s cup of tea. Under normal circumstances she would not even consider doctoring someone’s drink. In the Muggle world it was a crime. It was Tarik who was asking this time though, and she would do anything he asked without question. She knew in her heart she could trust him with her life.

She nodded to his request and made the cup of tea, being very careful to only add the five drops of the odorless clear liquid to the cup. She was not sure what else Gab took in his tea, so she put two sugar cubes in the sauser and a spoon. If he wanted milk or anything else she was sure he would get it. Walking back past Tarik as if to thank him, she carefully handed the small vile back to him, making sure no one else in the room could see the exchange.

Returning to her seat she handed Gab the cup of tea. Smiling she said, “Here you go Gab. You look like you could use some refreshment. Everything is going to be ok, I just know it.” Flo then went and sat down, so she did not miss any of the exchange of ideas.

Madam Sara Puddifoot



Sara had an uneasy moment when Tarik said vampires only gave gifts to somebody who had helped them. Her mind started racing on how this could be.



She started to say something, but Tarik’s next sentence showed he believed in her. It still worried her; she had inadvertently given Artemis power of the surroundings. “Tarik, you have my permission to look everywhere, at everything. If something needs to me moved, just tell Darik, my trusty little house-elf, what you need done. He can be a strange little character, but he is bright, too bright sometimes for his own good, and always willing to help. He has his own set of keys also.”



Sara had to think about this question. The small girl had only visited twice that she could remember. Usually she would ask Nat to help her remember something, but Nat had not been there both times, the girl had visited.

“The girl has only been here twice that I know of. She loved my pumpkin juice. She sat both times at the table near the fire, the one next to the table I usually use. So the answer would be yes to the question on was Artemis close to the table because that is where I carry out all my business with my suppliers. He never was here when the girl was though.”

“The best description I could give would be…” Sara stopped and looked off into the distance, trying to picture the girl in her mind, “She was a first year, so age would be around 10 or 11 years old; her hair was blond, with some brown in it and fell to about shoulder length; her eyes were beautiful, sort of almond shaped and green if I remember correctly.” Sara kept thinking, but had brought her attention back to Tarik. “I would say she was from the Slytherin House, because her scarf was green with silver stripes, if I remember the house colors correctly. Oh, and she had a nasty scar on her leg. Even though she was wearing long slacks the scar seemed to bother her and she checked it once as I was passing the table. Does any of this give you a clue on who the girl is? She would be third year by now, so she has probably changed.” Sara looked around the room and Tarik, Gab, Nat and Sasha, seemed to be in silent conference with each other. She did not like the feel the room had taken on. A thickness had settled on the atmosphere.

Nathalie Lupin



Nathalie noticed the exchange of the vail. She had seen it enough to have start worrying. Looking over at her husband as he was losing control. Sasha must have also realized what was happening, because she started talking to him. Nat nodded at Tarik as if to show she understood. Gab and Tarik believed the girl to be Tia.



Acting as if she had not seen anything, Nathalie thanked the women and then in a low whisper said, "Don't worry, Wolfbane is just what my husband needs."



Nathalie saw as Tarik nodded and knew he would probably be leaving well after the others. Nat thought, That is unless, Darik beat him to it. Nat knew that house-elf had a nose for trouble. If Darik had run across Artemis, he would have decide how to best protect what the elf called his family. Darik had magic that Nat could only dream about.



Nat realized that Tarik would probably check the table.



Nat heard Tarik said with a weird look in his eyes, "The scar wouldn't though."

Just then Gab realized who it could be and it took all herself, Tarik and Sasha could do to keep Gab from acting out. Tarik had guessed right, the girl was Tia. Nat knew that Tarik, Sasha and Gab was furious but only Gab showed it. Nat was more than worried as the girl's idenity meant that Artemis had indeed figured out the girl's connection to Gab.



Watching as Sasha informed the others by saying to Sara, "Sara, I don't remember if you ever met Marcus' sister Tia, but you just described her to a tee. The girl that was here was Tia Andreas also known as Tocanema Tia Spellman. I for one am going to have a very long talk to both the Auror that endangered her by letting her out that gate and her for thinking her could without a second thought. She is as stubborn as her mother."

Thinking about it, Nat could not blame Sasha for wanting to deal with Tia's recklessness as her and Gab had done the same with the children about the forest. Looking at Sasha, Nat wondered if Artemis had known that his little trip to Hogsmeade would bring Sasha. Nat was still wondering if Artemis was using the girl as bait. If he was then could he be after both Gab and Sasha, Nat had no clue but intended to find out. This time her uncle had went to far as Nat's eyes went a deep ice-blue.

Madam Sara Puddifoot



Sara watched as Gab became more agitated. Nat almost forced Gab to drink his tea. Sara was not afraid Gab would hurt anyone in the room, but if he left then he may act before he could think and the medicine took effect. One thing which worried Sara was that Nat’s eyes had gone ice-blue. She hoped Sasha or Tarik might notice and help with calming her down also. Nat could just as easily as Gab run off and do something rash, thinking she was protecting everyone.



As Sara listened she became more agitated herself. Nat had told her about young Tia, at least enough to know the girl was not safe out by herself. The girl had been in her shop and she had not protected her, but let her walk out by herself, twice. “Oh, Sasha if only I had known. I would never have let her leave by herself. I would have walked her back to the school or at least waited until Nat came back and let her return her to the school. Why would the school have even let a first year out?” Sara had to stop talking because she was getting too upset.

Sara started to rise, “I need to get Darik started on a search for….” She wasn’t even sure what Darik had to find. Sitting back down, she realized the only thing she could do was wait and get instructions from Tarik or one of the others. When there was a need to do something, Sara had a hard time sitting still. She got up and walked to the tea trays, just to pretend to herself she was doing something.

Flo Richards



Flo felt better when Nathalie told her it was Wolfbane which she had put into Gab’s tea. She had not had anything to do with the liquid since her advance Potion days at Southern Sorcerery University. She had been positive her father-in-law would not have given her anything to hurt the young man, but it was comforting to know what the liquid was and how it would help. Sometimes little bits of information came in handy at other times.



Flo had of course heard about Tia. Tarik had brought her name up in a couple of their private father and daughter talks. The Auror’s at the gate needed to be changed or retrained. Looking around, Flo knew they were going to be chastised. She just hoped they would not lose more than their positions. If the school was relaxed in their rules, this fight they were about to take on was going to be harder than she thought. Having to keep an eye on all the students while fighting an unknown element, would be very difficult.

Flo looked toward Tarik, for a sign on what to do next. She had thought of suggesting she follow the house-elf around, and see what suggestions he would have. House elves could be crafty little fellows. From her visits to the Tea Shoppe, she had been very impressed with Darik’s expertise in many different areas. He was always alert to what customers needed and who was where in the room. She enjoyed talking with him.

Flo was starting to get just a bit irritable about not doing anything. She knew they had to make plans. But just sitting was not one of her strong points. Her life included activity again now that she had a place to be and family present. She knew she had a questioning look in her eyes, so she looked down and tried to be patient.

Tarik Sadiki

Tarik noticed that Nat's eyes were a deep ice-blue. Looking at Nathalie he said calmly, "Nathalie, maybe you need a cup of tea yourself? Now is not the time to confront him. We need to know more than just who he has in his sights. We need to know what is his plan of attack. Does he plan on taking her to use as bait? Or does he plan more permanent means?"

Tarik knew that asking these two things would hopefully get them all to stop and think.

Looking to the whole group, Tarik said as calmly as he could, "So Tia has Artemis' interest but why and is she the only one? If he plans to use her as bait who for? Gab or Sasha? If she is not the only one then who else? These are questions that need answers before we can move against him. But the most important question is How does he plan on getting to her? If I know the Headmaster, the Auror that allow her out has been reassigned if not fired."

Looking at Sasha and Sara, he said, "What was done the last two years, nobody could have stopped. Remember I was at the school and had not even known she had left. Now we need to check everything, for clues to his plans."

Tarik turned to the whole room and said, "We need to do this in order. Let's start were he last was and try to retrace his steps. Guys, we are looking for anything that seems to be not right, or that he can use to get to somebody. Sara where was the last place he was before he gave you the present?" Tarik had decided to leave the present for last.

Tarik also needed the shop cleared so anybody who could tell Artemis was not able to. He also wanted Darik involved. Turning to Sara, he said, "Sara is there anyway you could close the shop for a couple of hours? Just long enough to do what we need to do. Also I think Darik needs to help with this."

The old house-elf had been with Tarik's family for as long as he could remember. Darik had been sent to Sara to help her and protect her by his sister. Darik considered them family and Tarik had seen first hand how protective Darik was of his family.

Turning back to the group, Tarik said, "Let's get started."

Tarik was glad of one thing. It was all of their day off. Smiling at Sasha, Tarik was glad to have her back near him. The last time he had seen her was about 10 years ago. She was about to have his son. He had a lead on Khalid and went to check it out. When he came back, she was gone.

Madam Sara Puddifoot



Sara knew what Tarik said was true. It took adding all the little happenings to get them to the point of knowing they needed to act not just react. Rising from her chair she walked to the center of the room. “If I have something to do, I can act,” was the first thought which entered her mind. Looking in the direction of Flo and Pippin she started. “Flo, Pippin, Tarik and Sasha are our eyes at the school. Tarik will have to be away, checking here and making contacts with others who can help.” Smiling at Sasha she continued, “Sasha will also be looking in many places and I am sure the Head Master will be keeping her busy for now and long into term break. That leaves the school to Flo and Pippin mainly.” Turning back to the two Professors, “Flo you and Pippin will have to keep your eyes and ears open for anything you think may be relative to our investigation. It may only be a word or two from one of the students. I know you haven’t been at the school very long, but that could be a good thing because you will not overlook something because you have passed by it hundreds of times, and take it for granted it is supposed to be where it is. If anything looks like it shouldn’t be where it is, let Sasha or Tarik know. If you cannot find them, owl or come visit me.”

Turning around to look at Nat and Gab she added, “Nat you and Gab,” she smiled at Gab because he was much calmer now and she knew he was thinking straight, “You and Gab need to make your contacts and let the group know what you can, to keep us out of the way if necessary of corrupting someone else’s investigation. Nat I will also need your help in looking in all the nooks and crannies of this place.” Sara waved her hand to generally specify the whole Tea Shop. “You have better eyes than I do as far as the students and visitors are concerned for anything out of the ordinary. Between you and me we should be able to let Tarik know what we think could in any way be important.”

Next she turned to Tarik, “Tarik, we are all yours.” Sara smiled as she informed him, “I think you have been put in charge Amir Tarik,” Smiling she gave a slight bow, partially out of respect and partly because she knew he would not be overjoyed at having the responsibility of the group. But he and Sasha were the best qualified at the moment and Sara did not think he would relish the idea of taking orders from a female, even if it was one he loved, if her impressions were correct, and they usually were.



Sara had to think about the answer to this question. She had been showing Artemis around the shop and the layout of the establishment. At the time she was also fighting the sadness of maybe having lost Shamus. All she had been told at the time was he had retired and sold the business to Artemis. Her mind had been considering the fact that one he had never told her of the plans and two he had not come to her when the business turnover had been complete to tell her. She closed her eyes briefly to think and picture the day.

Opening her eyes she looked at Tarik and explained, “We had just come in the back door from the screened porch, through the kitchen and into the dining area. I was taking him to these three backrooms. As we passed my shelves, where I keep my special gifts, he made a comment about how marvelous things were. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out the Leprechaun holding the teacup and said he had almost forgot that he knew my Shamus would be pleased if I would add it to the collection. I told him thank you and started to put it on one of the lower shelves. He suggested it would be better on a higher shelf so it would not get broken easily. After that I showed him these three rooms, and then we went back out into the dining area and concluded out orders.”

Sara paused for a moment and a thought came into her head. “One thing was strange though, when we came back into the main dining room, the small gift had been moved. It was one shelf higher and farther over to the right. I figured one of the patrons had looked at it, which is always allowed.”



“Sure Tarik, we can close down for the rest of the day, if need be. I will get Darik to explain to anyone who may have come in that we need to close for maybe maintenance, that is always a good reason. Then we can turn the whole place upside down if need be. Darik will have great fun helping, he always likes to feel important.” With this she gave a slight laugh, because Darik knew how important he was to her already, but it would be a good ego booster for him.



“Ok the first thing is to get Darik to unlock the door. Let’s see where….,” Sara looked around the room listening, ‘Ah, there he is. Darik, my little friend you can come out now. I heard you enter a bit ago, so come join the group and be comfortable.” Sara looked at the surprise looks on all the faces in the room, because they all knew Tarik had locked the room from any apparition. House elves had their own magic though and a little lock was not going to stop any of them from going where they wanted to go.

As Darik came out from behind the large Urn in the corner, he was making his best effort to look apologetic, but was not succeeding. Sara looked at him and tried with a serious face and voice to say, “Darik, I think maybe you owe Master Tarik an apology for breaking through his spell.” She watched as Darik’s fist started to tighten up, so she added, “You can take some time on the boxing bag later, I promise.” When Darik had first arrived, with him had come his furniture, which was in a small comfortable room off the kitchen, some special treats he liked, especially a lot of different shapes and kinds of pasta. The one thing which Sara had had a question about was a small punching bag. That was until she saw why Darik had it. House-elves had spent many generations literally punishing themselves if they even thought they had done something wrong. The bean bag was Darik’s outlet for when old habits came back.

“Now Darik if you would please open the door and show Mistress Flo and Mistress Pippin to the front door, I would greatly appreciate it?” Tuning again to Flo and Pippin she said goodbye for now, “Send me a message if you cannot find Sasha or Tarik and I will try and help as best I can.” Again talking to Darik she continues, “We will be closing the shop for the rest of the day. If Mistress Flo or Mistress Pippin have any questions, please answer them. Everyone in this room is working together, and that includes you, my friend. Please ask any patrons to leave, nicely and let them know they owe no payment for whatever they have eaten. If they wish to take something with them, the special dishes are in the bottom of the sideboard.”

“I am not sure when Mistress Sasha, Mistress Nathalie and Master Gab will be leaving but if you could help them also that would be marvelous.” Looking over to Tarik and then back to Darik she said, “Master Tarik will be staying to help us hunt for….well he will explain what he is looking for. This is very important work Darik, and I know you can be a great help.”

With this being said she waited for Darik to unlock the door. Sara knew how serious this was but she was looking forward to the search. It was just like the old days during the first of the wars.

Darik HouseElf



Darik sheepishly walked out from behind the Urn. “I must be getting old,” he thought, “if Mistress Sara heard me.” He knew she was upset, but he could also tell she was more amused than mad. He would defiantly hit the bag later.

He looked over to Master Tarik and said with head bowed slightly, but eyes looking at Tarik, “I am sorry Master Tarik for jumping in when I was not supposed to. But you do know that is how I learn things, which I use later.” He figured this was enough of an apology.

Turning to Mistress Sara he said, “I am the one who moved the statue. The supplier had not placed it in a spot where it would not get damaged. He had given it to you and I did not like the way he put it on the self”.



Mistress Sara had never closed the shop early, what they were doing was very important. Taking care of the patrons was a good job, but Darik really enjoyed helping when danger was present, and if he was clearing the shop then danger was definitely involved.



Darik would be able to help Master Tarik and to him this was a great honor. His father had given Darik his life as a free House-elf, and Master Tarik had been his friend as well as his charge. “I will do everyone honor, Mistress Sara.”



He unlocked the doors and bowed slightly to Mistress Flo and Mistress Pippin as he followed them out of the door of the room. It was going to be a good day.