The First Meeting (FFF members only)

[alanah]

Alanah wandered down the wide, dusty brown path that lead towards Hogsmeade, a sheaf of papers clasped tightly on her chest, full of notes written in minuscule handwriting (her own). She watched the path as she walked, intent on her thoughts, and hardly registered it when she passed a crowd of Slytherins huddled on the path, who stopped talking and either threw her dirty looks or called insults at her. Her cloak billowing about her in the wind, with a scarf wound tightly around her neck to protect her from the biting cold of the fast approaching winter, Alanah strolled down the path to Hogsmeade, and her first ever FFF meeting. Alanah had first founded the club on her arrival at Hogwarts, and she had been fairly pleased by the amount of members she'd found eager to join. Well, in reality, only three, but still, it was a start. She had been expecting to meet Lily on the outskirts of Hogsmeade, but it didn't bother Alanah too much. She'd show up.

For the first time, Alanah showed interest in her surroundings. Hogsmeade was full of people bundled up against the cold, and smoke from the chimneys of the small stone huts clustered together spoke of warm fires. She gazed longingly at them as she passed, but reminded herself the Three Broomsticks was always crowded and warm. Alanah halted at Honeydukes and debated for awhile whether to go inside and buy herself some chocolate, but her sensible side won over. Some members might arrive before her, and then when she didn't show up (Alanah loved shopping), they'd probably leave. The Ravenclaw sighed and trudged onward. At last, she found the creaking sign that proudly proclaimed the Three Broomsticks, and stepped inside. The inn was crowded and full of people seeking shelter from the cold. She peered over the heads of a hag and a warlock having an intense and serious conversation, and spied an empty table.

She edged her way through the throng until she reached it, thanking the gods for the table. Alanah set her pile of papers on the table, Transfigured her bag briefly into a tiny yapping Yorkshire Terrier to warn her if anyone tried to steal the table, and ordered four butterbeers. Transfiguring her bag back to normal, she set three bottles by each of the chairs ringing the table, and then sipped gently from hers, relishing the warmth that flooded from the perfectly warm drink. Her eyes nervously scanned the papers in front of her, making sure she had all of her notes right, before she set down her butterbeer and stuffed it in her bag, figuring no one would want to hear her reading aloud from notes she had taken. Alanah took another sip of butterbeer and set it on the table, then turned to the door and waited for it to open.[/color]

[Indigo Grace]

She really did not want to be there. Really. Not that she had changed her mind about the meeting or what it stood for, it was nothing like that. Indigo had another reason. The Three Broomsticks, for one very specific reason, was on her "Do not visit" list. Right underneath her own house. Just a few days ago she'd been in there, and had a very unpleasant experience. Indigo wasn't looking forward to the stares of anyone who had possibly been there last time.

Moving gracefully through the crowded streets of Hogsmeade, Indigo only acknowledged a few people, nodding her head at them as they past by. She wanted to go to the meeting, she felt it was of importance. We all know that Indigo doesn't get along with muggles. But she certainly does not feel that they should be abolished from the earth. They have as much of a right to carry on in their life without disturbance as wizards and witches had. Today she wore a brown, v-necked jacket so she wouldn't catch cold. Indigo loved the weather, the sun put a damper on anything sweet for her.

Pushing past a few people who were blocking the entrance, she apologized quickly and walked inside. It was full, as usual, people chattering, several Hogwarts students were already inside. As Indigo's quick eyes scanned the perimeter in seach of Alanah, she past by the front table where the bartender stood. He cast her one of the most dirty looks; it could almost compete with the looks Indi dished out. Almost. "I'm not going to make a scene" she spoke to him abruptly as she passed him by, knowing he remembered last time's experience. She went to the back of the room, finding Alanah alone at the table, Indigo sat down, brushing out her hair. "Good day Alanah." She smiled a little.

[brianna]

"Finally fitting in..."

Since it was the first meeting of Fight For Freedom since it had been set up by Alanah, she was slightly unsure of what to expect, but Brianna came with high hopes that it would be extremely useful to her and her fellow members. So, as she strode down Hogsmade, she was smiling to herself. Her day hadn't been all that great. She's not had much sleep due to the last minute homework she'd had to do, which just so happened to be for Transfiguration; her most hatred subject. Then, of course, she had Transfiguration. And, to make matters even worse, she'd had a run in with some of her fellow fifth year Slytherins. Whipee, not. And it was her weekly wright-to-mom-and-dad-about-my-crappy-week day, and she was even more annoyed because all she could report to her parents was about crappy weeks and bad homework marks.

The reason she was in a good mood now was because she was in high hopes that the day couldn't get much worse, and that whatever bad was said in the meeting she would be able to handle. She wasn't even fazed by the group of Slytherins snarling and scowling in her direction as she entered The Three Broomsticks. It was a relief to be in out of the cold, and Bri unwrapped her tightly wound scarf from around her neck and looked around the crowded pub for Alanah. She spotted both Alanah and Indigo and waved. "Heya!" She shouted over the bussle of people as she walked over to them. "So, is it just us here so far?" She questioned the two, because Brianna knew she wasn't that early. Bri was never early for anything, but rarely late either. She liked to show up on time because then she either wasn't hanging around for everyone, or having to apologize for being late.

Brianna was wearing her school robes outside Hogwarts for the first time in her five years at the school, and it was making her selfconcious. She hadn't had time to change from them due to the amount of last minute homework she'd been doing, trying to squeeze it all in in the free gaps in her time table before the meeting. But she relaxed a little to see the others also in their robes. She glanced around the room, trying to spot any other familiar faces but none met her eyes. So instead she smiled up at Alanah and asked "Anyone having a drink?"

[Lily Evans]

Butterflies tied knots in her stomach as Lily hurried down the front steps of the castle. It was a mild day for September, but there was just enough nip in the air for her to be glad of the jacket she had thrown on. Glancing around, Lily wondered anxiously how many people would show up. Would there be three people? One? Nobody? But she really was being silly. After all, there had been several people interested in it, and she was hoping that they would be actively recruiting more members. Lily half-expected to see Alanah on her way down to the village, but then again, she would probably be there first, since she was the founder, of course. She felt slightly guilty for not being there first, too. But she wasn't going to be late by any means. Glancing at her watch, Lily saw that she had a good ten minutes before the meeting was supposed to start.

As she walked up the High Street of Hogsmeade on her way to the Three Broomsticks, Lily had an unpleasant feeling that every person she passed somehow knew what she was up to. She avoided making eye contact with anyone, keeping her eyes on the ground, which very nearly resulted in her crashing into several people. It was ridiculous, of course, to think that the villagers had any idea that a student organization was meeting in the pub, but Lily was always paranoid like that. She felt a bit better, however, once she had wrenched open the door of the Three Broomsticks. Who couldn't feel better with the blast of warmth and the smell of butterbeer and the sound of laughing voices? The whole place was rather cozy, and Lily thought it was the perfect place to meet. Nobody would give a group of Hogwarts students a second glance.

It only took her a moment to spot Alanah. She had snagged a good table, and with her were two girls in her house, Indigo and Brianna. She was pretty good friends with Brianna, but with Indigo... she just wasn't really sure. Glad that at least two people had showed up, Lily let a grin spread over her face as she plopped down next to Alanah. "This for me?" she asked with a smile on her face, indicating one of the butterbeers. Without waiting for an answer, she picked it up and took a long swig. Already she felt much better, confident that people would show up. Lily noticed that Alanah had brought along some notes. It hadn't occured to Lily that she might get totally tongue-tied if she had to say anything important. Hopefully that could more or less be left to Alanah.

Lily's eyes roved the pub quickly, and then they landed on Alanah. Her eyes fell on the stack of notes again. "Do you know what you're going to say?" she asked quietly. Her almond-shaped green eyes studied her friend, wondering what she was thinking. Was she nervous? Lily was, a bit, but she really didn't know why. Maybe she had no reason to be.

[/blockquote]

[aelitaderrivalle]

Aelita looked around with a frown before returning to her poorly drawn map. She wasn't very familiar with Hogsmade and had not the slightest clue where the Three Broomsticks was or what kind of establishment for that matter. To make matters worse the stranger who she asked directions had drawn her a map, a map that she didn't understand and left her with doubts if the kind stranger was actually a kindergartner in disguise. She took another look at her map before folding it up and stuffing it into her one of the pockets of her robe. She was actually running a little bit late, which was unusal for her. She was always on time for classes and Qudditch pratice but for some reason she had become obsorbed in her studying and lost track of time.

Deciding to take the easy route Aelita just picked a random street and went off down it, perhaps her good instincts would lead her to the Three Broomsticks. Pulling her robe tighter around her body she shivered in response to the cold wing. Blast the cold and blast the winter, why couldn't it be spring instead! Aelita had been concentrating so much on her grumbling that she did not even bother to pay attention to where she was going, she crashed right into a man in front of her. Her eyes snapped to him as she bowed in apology. The man smiled questioning if she was lost, Aelita smiled slightly unable to quell her nerves. "The Three Broomsticks..." The man pointed to the sign above them with another smile, causing Aelita to pale in embarassment. Bowing to him once again she mouthed her thanks and entered the the building quickly.

Letting out a soft sigh she looked around more out of curiosity before she finally decided to look for Alanah. Her eyes caught sight of the girl towards the back sitting at a table with three girls from her house. Brianna of course she knew, but the other two she didn't quite know although they did look familiar. Aelita figured she had probably just seen both girls around before. Making her way over to the table she sat down next to Brianna, although she wanted to extend her greetings, they all seemed occupied. Aelita just smiled lightly at all the girls before her eyes slipped around the establishment to watch the other patrons.

[smallfry55]

Melissa had been looking forward to this meeting since she had first been invited to join. As she as she had finished her homework, she had run as fast as she could all the way to Hogsmeade so she wouldn't be late. As she ran, she debated in her mind as to what the meeting would be about.

Melissa's bright blue eyes searched the the many buildings that bordered her on both sides for the familiar sign that read "The Three Broomsticks". She passed Zonko's Joke Shop and had to force herself not to wander inside- she figured her oldest brother Collin could use a dungbomb or two hidden in his pillow...

Ah, there it was. She strode over to the door of the small pub, opened it, and walked in. She saw Aelita, Brianna, Lily, and Alanah already there. She walked over to the table where everyone was crowded. "Hey, guys!" she called over to them brightly. She looked around at the small group- she had expected a little more people to show up, but then again, this was a very secret club. "Is this everyone?" She asked Alanah, turning to face the dark haired 6th year.

[Sorry for the icky post.. o.o]

[megazostradon]

A large, black dog squeezed out of a small hole in the wall of a run-down house. The hole was far too small for the canine to comfortably squeeze through, and, once the dog was standing beside the hole, it was remarkable to believe such a large animal could have fit through it. However, on closer inspection, one could see that a lot of the dog’s mass was actually fur, and underneath the fluff, it was quite lanky and slender. It did not give anyone nearby the chance to look, though. The dog loped away from the house, and into some nearby brush.

A few minutes later, Sirius Black walked down the dirt road to Hogsmeade from the Shrieking Shack. He dragged his feet slightly and watched the dust billow up around his shoes. The Gryffindor boy had been running a little late, so he took a shortcut to Hogsmeade, but was now regretting it. His shoulder was sore from scraping past the wood. Absently, he massaged the scrape underneath his robes as he neared The Three Broomsticks.

‘Alanah’s club,’ Sirius mused, an unusually somber expression upon his face, ‘I’m a little intimidated. I mean, this is serious stuff. Voldemort’s really gaining power.’ He smiled wryly, ‘And let’s be honest, Sirius, you’ve never been good at being serious, even when the situation’s more than called for it.’ Looking, up, he saw the dark-haired Ravenclaw girl he had known since before he had been allowed to handle a wand. She was standing nobly at the head of the table, several other familiar Gryffindors all in place about it. He stopped and gazed through the window, a feeling of nostalgia flooding through him. “When did you get so tall…? And so…” Sirius trailed off. The wind rippled through his black hair and long, red-and-gold Gryffindor scarf.

A few moments later Sirius blinked, and seemed to come back to the present. He gathered his cloak about himself, realizing just how cold it was, and darted inside. “Hello, everyone!” Sirius raised a hand in greeting and grinned about at those already seated at the table. He winked at the head of the club, and took a seat at the table.

[alanah]

((Thanks, everyone who posted! I will soon post, just waiting to get the PM back from Prongs, and then we will get this rolling! I apologize for making you guys wait so long.))

[nikki]

Scarlett had always wanted to fight against Voldemort. Since she was eight. Since her father came home, to tell her and her mother that Evan, her older brother, had died-been killed-in a werewolf attack. And since she found out that Evan had been condemned to such a terrible destiny just because her father had refused to help Lord Voldemort. Lord Voldemort. Hmph. Even though her mother and father both called him You-Know-Who, she vowed never to be afraid of him or his name. Well, fine, she was afraid of him, but she wasn't about to admit it, not even to herself. And she'd never call him Lord Voldemort. Just Voldemort. Lord. In her eyes he didn't deserve that..title or whatever it was.

So, now here was this club. It sounded great, and when she had first heard of it, she knew she had to join. Yeah, she did intend on becoming an Auror after Hogwarts, but there would be a long time until that. She wanted to learn before. And she wanted to learn a lot. Scarlett wanted revenge. Sure she would hate the dark forces even without it, but her brother's murder was a motivation greater than she could've ever imagined had it never occurred. It was what made sure she would die for the cause every day, every second. It was what assured her complete loyalty.

Still, the loyalty could never be as complete as she liked to think. Because there was one thing that could make her betray everything in this world. If anyone would blackmail her with the lives of her living loved ones. Because Scarlett Lorraine could not bear to lose yet another person close to her heart, especially not if there would be any way she could help it. Of course, she never thought of this. Scarlett never gave her weaknesses a better thought, she only liked hiding them and emphasizing her strength. Which, altogether, made another cruical weakness.

Scarlett opened the door and entered the Three Broomsticks. She saw a lot of people she knew there, and she smiled at all of them. Then, she took a seat and waited. She wondered what were they going to do first; she hoped it'd be something very powerful and very useful against dark forces. Since she didn't intend on just sitting around here, she spoke; "Hi, the lot of you."

[tchorse]

Bethany had been anticipating this meeting. She felt like she was actually proving a point, and doing something with herself, rather then being just another waste of human life. Even against the frigid cold, her excitment seemed to warm her. Though she did have second thoughts about not bringing that hoodie of hers. She took no notice of the other people, pracing around Hogsmeade. Wow. she thought to herself. She wished she could be one of the lucky people who knew the meaning of the word fun.

As soon as she noticed that she had let her thoughts stray from the meeting, she brought herself right back. She twisted her face into a look of sheer disgust as the thought or Voldemort crossed her mind. She thought about how many innocent people's lives he had stolen right from them. It immediately saddend her. Saddend her like a little five year old would be saddened if he had to watch his puppy be put to sleep. I'm happy to be doing something about it.. she thought to herself. Now, when Voldemort did rise, she would get to be one of the few people who would be heros. It was a great feeling.

She did a double check around her, for and staring eyes as she approached the three broomsticks. She immediately recognized Alanah, Scarlett, Melissa, and then some faces she hadn't seen before. "Hello," she said, shaking hands with Alanah, and the strangers. "Don't think we've quite met.."

[alanah]

((This took a while. I apologize. <<))
Alanah simply beamed as the members of her club slowly filed in, filling up the table around her, each and everyone of them ready to help her in her fight against Voldemort. Her own little sister, Verity, had been brutally murdered by one of his followers, and this was the result of that action. First to come was Indigo, who she acknowledged with a smile and an incline of her head, gesturing to a chair beside her. It was chilly, Alanah noted, as all of them seemed to be wearing jackets of some sort or another. Then there was Brianna, another Gryffindor, younger, though. Alanah smiled again and waved. Then Lily, her faithful second in command. A sudden thought struck her as she passed a butterbeer to the other girl. James Potter was coming, wasn't he? There was trouble brewing, Alanah felt certain. When Lily spoke quietly for just her ears, the Ravenclaw replied, "Pretty sure. It's kind of nerve-wracking, but I'll get through, won't I?" She smiled, suddenly feeling the first pangs of nervousness in her stomach. When everyone was at last seated - including Sirius, Alanah thought with another pang - she cleared her throat for a second and hesitated. Then she called the bartender and ordered enough butterbeers for everyone.

When everyone had tucked in, the Ravenclaw hesitated again. She was definitely feeling nervous now, surrounded by all these people. Running a hand gingerly through her long raven-black hair, Alanah glanced at her notes for reassurance before clearing her throat and speaking. "Well, er, welcome, everyone," she greeted them all loudly, stumbling on her words a bit. Well, that was a first, Alanah thought with a wry smile. The knots in her stomach loosened a bit and she raised her head high, speaking loudly and clearer this time. "You know why you're all here." Alanah told them all, before lowering her voice conspiritially. "We're going to learn how to fight You-Know-Who. Now, I know some of you," she grinned at Sirius, "will think at first that this magic is too junior for you. But we need to start with the basics." She hesitated again, feeling very concipious to prying eyes who might be trying to find out what they were doing. This club had just been started recently, so it wouldn't be well-known, but a secret this big couldn't be hidden all year, could it?

Alanah glanced around furtively before realizing she'd make them stand out even more by seeing if anyone was watching them. She thought she saw a hooded man in a corner looking at them, but when he saw Alanah staring at him he turned away. Wincing, she straightened up and chewed on a lock of her hair before seeing her mistake and quickly dropping it. She took a long draught of butterbeer before licking her lips to wipe away any sign of the drink on them. Noticing everyone staring at her again, she glanced pleadingly at Lily for a second before scolding herself mentally at such folly. She was the leader, so she should be the one to speak! Rapping her notes with her knuckles, Alanah coughed slightly before speaking in spirited tones. "So, who's with me?" She smiled broadly to conceal her own anxiety and worries. There was a problem that the skills she was going to teach the group might not be enough to stop one of the Death Eaters if they really did attack. And then if something happened to them, she would blame herself for putting such an idea in their heads. Yep, it was a bad business, but they needed to be prepared.

[dog8mihomwork]

Where on earth did they say the meeting was again? James couldn't quite remember. While in deep thought he began to tap his heels against a poor excuse for a post. Grimly he looked around, would it kill him to listen? James gave this question careful thought....Yes. Yes it bloody would. He chuckled at the fact, amused by his own incompetence. Why was everything so goddamn funny? Merlin blessed him with two ears, (two capable ears), and a quite capable mouth to shut it when someone was talking to him. "Oh it'll come to me." He whispered aloud.

Brilliant. First he doesn't listen, and now he took up the hobby of talking to himself. It's no wonder people have been looking at him like some great big loony. He began to walk, slightly annoyed with himself. His eyes averted to that of his feet, finding comfort in his strides rather than his own bitter thoughts. He couldn't bear to look at the various students and random folk he passed by, all giving him an accusing look. An accusation of pure lunacy, though the first dozen were simply brilliant nonetheless.

The Three Broomsticks? He hadn't given that one a shot yet. Expecting failure he barged into the rather quaint scene of crowded students under some form of a meeting. "So, who's with me? By instinct, without any thought (usual conditions for James's decision making) he called out nonchalantly, "I am!" with a raised hand.