Review

Hey guys. I was just notified of this review that was posted today for the Law and Order Criminal Intent Premiere. I won't post mine until tomorrow, so this one should keep you busy. The link to this review will be posted at the bottom.

Posted by Stefan Blitz from Forces of Geek
"SAG nominee Saffron Burrows and Academy Award nominee Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio join Academy Award nominee Jeff Goldblum for Season Nine Two-part season opener to feature departure of long time cast members Emmy Award nominee Vincent D’Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe and Eric Bogosian. Guest stars include Tracy Pollan, Dan Lauria, Ralph Macchio, Dan Butler and William Mapother

LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT, USA Network’s hit original scripted series, will return with 16 all new episodes on its new night, Tuesday, March 30 at 10/9c. LAW &ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT, produced by Wolf Films and Universal Cable Productions, created and executive produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, was developed by René Balcer. Shot entirely in and around New York City, the third installment of the “Law & Order” franchise takes viewers deep into the minds of its criminals while following the intense psychological approaches the Major Case Squad uses to solve its crimes.

After a triumphant eight-season run, Emmy nominee Vincent D’Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe and Eric Bogosian say goodbye to LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT. The two part season opener will showcase the brilliant partnership between Detectives Goren & Eames as they, along with Detectives Nichols and Stevens, unravel a case with devastating consequences for Captain Ross.

Over the past several months I've started watching Law & Order for the first time and am a die-hard convert. Of the various franchises, Criminal Intent is by far my favorite, in no small part to the presence and performances by Vincent D' Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe. One of the things that I enjoy most of L&O:CI is that it's simply an hour of television that I can enjoy without committing to the series.

Television's become so serialized over the last few years that most shows are self-committed to story arcs and less and less with single episode shows.

The two-part premiere of Criminal Intent flips the series on it's ear and starts fresh. A major character dies, two other characters leave, leaving the show with a new series sharing the same title.

Jeff Goldblum's Zach Nichols returns an by the second hour of the premiere, the show already has a slightly different tone as we see it's focus shift to Nichols as departing D'Onofrio's Det. Bobby Goren, Kathryn Erbe's, Alexandra Eames and Eric Bogosian's Capt. Danny Ross all start to take secondary focus.

The Law & Order franchise is known for it's turnover, but this is the first time that the entire core cast has handed over it's reigns.

Executive producer has nothing to worry about, despite my love for the previous incarnation, this reinvention works."

You can read the full article with pictures here. 

Make sure to tune in tonight on the USA Network 10 PM and come back tomorrow for a full detailed review from me!

-Tyler

Loyalty

Today has been so hard to get things together. After this trip, all I want to do is go back!! I guess it is so easy to forget reality when you go to the most magical place on earth.

For all you cyber and tech geeks, I have good news. Apple has just now announced that they are releasing a new version of the Apple Iphone that will be used with the Verizon Wireless network. Are you excited?

Many were anticipating this when the upgrade of the current Iphone came up. I guess you all will be very happy. I personally don't know how to react to this since I am a Verizon Wireless user. Sure, I love the Ipod, but I don't know how I like the thought of it being combined with my phone. But I guess everyone has their preferences.

Also some more bombshelling news; Ricky Martin actually came out of the closet today saying, 'I Am a Fortunate Homosexual Man'. He also says that his twin sons inspire him to come out. He also says:

"To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids where [sic] born with. Enough is enough. This has to change. This was not supposed to happen 5 or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment". The entire article can be read here.

So now for you Law and Order: Criminal Intent fans; the time is nearly hear. The season 9 premire starts tomorrow night at 10 pm. I am really excited about this. As some of you know, the title of the episode will be 'Loyalty', along with the Part II following the next week.

Apparently, they have been making some tough decisions when considering how to present this two part series. There have been numerous titles for it and there were also talks of combining it into a 2 hour special, but then decided to splitting them up.

Of course, you will be seeing a full detailed overview of the episode tomorrow night. So make sure to stay tuned!!

And as for the Iphone, post your comments on what you think about this new plan with Verizon!

-Tyler

Recap

Well guys, I have returned!! It has felt so long since my last talk with you all. To be honest I felt like I was in a diffrent world in Florida. I didn't realize it, but I really needed this trip.

It started off when I walked in the chorus room dressed in my pj's, ready to go. After a couple of hours of waiting and rehearsing, we got on the road. It wasn't long after rolling that I felt like a new person. I felt like I could just let myself loose and really be the Tyler that I am.

I thought the bus would be more comfy though. It was clearly not suited for night travel. I think I got only 4 hours of sleep on the ride down, if that much. Everybody was on top of each other and nowhere to spread out, especially when the guy beside you is double your weight.

Let's not forget the tension as well. We had this whole spill about equality among the band and choir. And then when the choir was split among the two buses, people got angry and said things that I'm sure they will regret in the future. Apparently I was the leader of this "Mutiny" by signing my name first for the non-choir bus. Sorry folks, but I choose the one that appears more convient.

We began the next day by getting up from the little sleep we had and going to Magic Kingdom. That day formed the group that I was with for the remainder of the trip. We went everywhere, including Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean. And then the night on the park ended with a wonderful fireworks show and a huge downpour on the way back to the buses.

I surely didn't get any sleep on this trip. Although our hotel was huge, now on my top ten, and was able to fit 4 guys into their own beds, the guy sleeping near me snored enough for 20 people. The next day I threatened to slap him every time he snored afterwards. He didn't afterwards...

Now the next day was when we performed. We watched all the Jazz band and Marching band perform, and then we performed at one of the resorts. We had a really good time performing, and it was possibly our best performance yet. One of the judges then came up to us to do a 15-minute clinic. Funny thing was that he wanted me to act like a 700 pound man to get a certain note to feel a certain way. And I was like, Uh really?

Then the last day was at Hollywood Studios. Most of us went to audition at the American Idol experience. Sadly, none of us made it, including my director and the band director. I'm sure some of us sounded good, but they were also probably looking for stage presence, attitude. My judge said that they really look at the first 5 seconds of the audition to tell how strong our voices are . Of course they didn't tell me that before I auditioned with a mellow and soft Delta Goodrem song!

We spent the rest riding many such as Tower of Terror and Rockin' Roller Coaster. All were great, but oh how I hate Tower of Terror. I don't understand how people love to feel like they are free falling. I had to ride it again for our group picture later that day, and oh how I hated it.

Then this was probaly the most exciting part of the trip. We went to the stadium where they held the stunt show for our awards ceremony. And the host wanted 2 representatives from each group to come down and accept the awards instead of the directors. And our picked myself and my friend to be the Bnats representatives to accept it. I had never felt so honored and nervous at the same time. See, this wasn't just a few hundred. There were at least 3-4000 people there. Talk about intimidating. But when we got called we waved at the crowed and accepted it. We only got a excellency, but only because the scoring is diffrent there than in NC.

After that we got on the bus and boy was I tired. I fell asleep shortly afterwards, and only woke up a few times, suprisingly. And then I wound up here in NC.

Well I guess thats all I have to say about my recap. This was truly the best trip I have had with my schoolmates. It was sad to come back, but I could not wait to get back in my own bed. It's good to be back and we will return to regular programming...haha!

-Tyler

Departure

Hey guys. I just thought I would let you know that I will not be blogging for the next four to five days. I will be going with my choir class to attend 4 days of Disney World!!

I am so excited. We will be judged by very well known judges, as well as watching our fellow band and color guard groups performing.

So no more post for the next few days. Sorry about that. But I promise you all, that when I return, we will resume by talking about my trip, American Idol eliminations, and the new season premire of Law and Order Criminal Intent! Stay tuned!!

-Tyler

Acceptance

I don't know why on earth it has taken me so long to post this. I guess once in a while you have to look at things from a diffrent perspective, at a new angle, and then try to write it in that way.

I felt that I left alot of things unsaid in my last post. And maybe thats why I couldn't find a way to write this one. Stuff like this is hard to put into words. You think you know someone, and then you think that you know nothing about them.

That next day after I heard all of this stuff, I spent all day in a daze. And I spent alot of time debating whether I should talk to this person or not. And even a part of me thought that I freaked out so much that they wouldn't even try to talk to me. Eventually I got the nerve to talk to them, and I just let everything loose. I felt so much better for it too.

Their situation has gotten more complicated over the past couple of days. But I have been able to stand by them like nothing has happened, but this is all still linging over my head. I have accepted what they have done, but I just hope they can move on from it...

Now on to more interesting things. Poor Lacey Brown got eliminated this week on American Idol. To be honest, I think everyone was up for elimination this week. They were all so unfamiliar with having to choose a song that they possibly knew nothing about. A few were able to steal the night, but only a few. And unfortunately, Lacey was not one of them.

And now on to the news for today. Today could be the making of history with President Obama's Health Care reform bill. This one could really go either way, and protests will begin despite the outcome. Democrats say that they have all the votes that they need. But will they? I'll make sure you find out in my next post.

Until then, have lots of fun and I'll see you later!

-Tyler

Too Hard

First of all, thank you all so much for the 2,000 views!! You all are so supportive and amazing!!

For the past few days, I have looked outside and realizes that spring is fastly approaching. And after months of snow and freezing rain, spring is starting to be a happy feeling. I'm not the type of person that likes to look outside and see death in trees and the coldness in the air.

Now I am able to look outside and begin to see the rebirth of God's great work. I am a sort of environmentalist, so I get excited at the thought of a new tree planting its roots in the soft soil below it. I have a young peach tree in my back yard, and I am hopeful that it will bear fruit this year.

Now on to the shattered part. Last night, someone told me news about themselves that really shocked me to my core. There are tons of people that have told me many things that has made me shocked. But last night was one of the top ones.

Sometimes stuff like this really shows people who they really are. You start to see how reckless they are. How the are not remorseful for their actions, and don't even acknoledge the consequences that could very well lie ahead. You start to see the hypocricy in them. You start to see their true colors.

They asked me if what I learned changed my thoughts of them, and I said no. But that is a lie, now that I think about it. That is unfair to them, but when you are such a shock like that, it is kinda hard not to.

I have already started to begin the distancing process, even though it isn't good for either of us. But I have spent so much time trying not to lecturing people for their mistakes, that when I hear something like that, it is just better to not say anything at all.

Today I never felt so lonely. This person is such a big part of my life. Can I really forget what I know? Can I move on? I would like to say I could, but it is just too hard.

Top Twelve

First of all, I wanted to say how much of a pleasure to see that one of the Edens Edge band members, Hannah, had read my last post! They are all such great singers, so it was so much fun to be able to meet them, and then get their name out through this blog. Good luck you guys.

Now, I haven't been able to do an American Idol post in some time, so what better time than this. Last time we talked about this, we were in the first week of live performances, and Tim Urban was on the edge of getting elimiated. Well since you have last read, he made it through, following good performances with the songs 'Come on Get Higher' and 'Hallelujah', which made the judges proud.

Last week was really the moment to shine and determined if they would make it through to the top twelve. Here are some highlights:

Mike did a stunning perfomance with his song the led Kara to tears. While Ellen gave Tim a big hug for his good song choice. And Aaron Kelly continued to gain fame with his young, solid voice.

But four didn't make it this week. Two of them were shockers, others not so much.

Lilly Scott was a shocker. Alot of people liked her unique voice, including myself. She was one that was a huge shocker.

Katelyn Epperly was also one who left the stage. I think that the only thing that would have saved her was the song that she perfomed two weeks ago. But her last performance was not one that really stuck with the audience, causing her to be eliminated.

Don't get me wrong, Todrick Hall is a good singer and a good performer. But to the truth of the matter is, he changed a song to the point where is was unrecognizable, and continued to do it week after week. You want to hear a song that you can relate to and he just didn't seem to realize that.

And Alex Lambert. Poor guy. He was a good singer that I was shocked to see go. And but to truthful, he was just the weakest link of the 7 guys. I felt bad for him though when he started crying on stage. But don't fel bad Alex, someone will notice you and get you signed up to a label real soon.

Well I guess I'll give you the names of the top twelve. They are DiDi Benami, Siobhan Magnus, Paige Miles, Katie Stevens, Lacey Brown and Crystal Bowersox, Aaron Kelly, Michael Lynche, Casey James, Lee Dewyze, Andrew Garcia and Tim Urban.

Well I guess that is my post for today. Stay tuned for more tomorrow!!

Edens Edge

Gosh, it is taking almost all of my energy to stay away today. This new time change. It happens to me every time. And it usually takes me a few days to a week to really get used to it. But I am looking forward to the longer daylight.

So since we have spent all of our time in the past 2 weeks talking about Harry Potter and the story, I wanted to catch you up on a few things. In my area, we have a place called the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. It is an elegant place for you to watch anything from community plays to special artists that are booked to come in and perform.

Well on Friday, my parents and I bought tickets for the Randy Travis concert that would be taking place at the performing arts. It was a rather unexpected plan that we came up with. Actually we decided to go a hour before it started. I have never been a country fan, nor a Randy Travis fan, but I decided to go because I might to get my picture taken with him or something.

It turns out that he doesn't do meet and greet or anything like that. Something about him being afraid of stalkers or something. I guess he doesn't realize now that he is popular and is appearing in a southern town.

Anyways, the supporting act was the 3 person band; Edens Edge. This band consits of Hannah Blaylock, Cherrill Green, and Dean Berner of Nashville, TN. They have been on their music journey since 2007, and it looks like their name is about to get bigger.

When I heard them at the concert, they sounded really good. They were a band that I could relate to because they were much more younger than Travis was. And the end of their part of the show, they invited eveyone to meet them at the lobby for pictures and autographs.

As soon as the show was over I went to their table to meet them. They all were so nice. I got both their CD and picture autographed. And then when the crowd got lower my sister and I went back for pictures. If you will look at the top right hand of the page, you can see the picture.

It's cool to think that I could have all of these things from potential music stars. Apparently they are in the studio and plan on releasing a song in the summer. I wish them the best of luck, and hopefully I'll get to see them again.

I guess that is all I have to say for today. I'll talk to you all soon!

In Rememberance

So yesterday we concluded the 12 Part 'Back to Magic' series. It amazes me that we have done this story over the course of nearly 2 weeks. It was fun writing it with these people and being able to hear all of your reponses to it.

And I'll just let you all know right now that I am in the process of planning another story with other writers. I won't tell you the subject of the story just yet, but I'll assure you, that alot of thought is going into it, and will bring alot of excitement to the blog.

Now, remember that we wrote this weeks before the 7th book was released. As you can tell, we were way off with our predictions. Although, we were at the beginning stages of being on the right track. Godrics Hollow was mentioned. And the revolution that McGonagall was planning in the last chapter reminds me of the rebellion that they had against Voldemort in Hogwarts.

The last chapter is by far my favorite of all 12. I was looking forward to seeing this rebellion of sorts take place. I wanted Hogwarts to be a major part of the story, but not in the way that we saw it used in the past six books. Unfortunatley, I never got to really go deep into this plot, but I wanted to make it as important as the Harry Potter part of the story.

Revisiting this story has reminded me of when the Harry Potter book was being released. I started the Deathly Hallows forum about six months before the book came out. It was really fun to be apart of it because everybody wanted to be apart of the Harry Potter hype.

I think my site was filled with more excitement than the other sites at the time, because we had one certain person that "claimed" to have the information on the book. The credibiltiy of this guy's words were questioned alot during the time, but it was really fun to read and speculate with the other members.

Also, a member came across a 200+ paged manuscript that at the time appeared to be the book. I never read it when I had it because I was afraid it was the real think and it would ruin the excitement for me. From the little I read, I can tell you now that it wasn't the actual book. Now that I think about it, it would be rather fun to read it. I'll see if I can find it somewhere.

But anyways, it has been nearly 3 years since the release of the book. We have seen one movie since then, one follow book, and two more movies within the next two year.

We have also seen the creation of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter coming sometime this year. I am so excited about it. It is planned to be in Flordia. I really hope to visit it when it opens.

My mind has suddenly hit a blank. Anyways, I figured it would be nice to close the 12 part series with a summary of the Harry Potter hype that took place back 3 years ago.

Stay tuned because I have alot to catch you up on!!

-Tyler

Back to Magic- Chapter 12

Chapter 12- Revolution

A cloaked figure stood beyond the white tomb, over looking the Black Lake. The sun was beginning to come up. The figure looked like it was bowing to Dumbledore, or what was left of him.

"This school was your life. And you did all you could to protect it." The figure said. "But now you have passed on, and your job now rests with me. And I intend to do everything to fight for what you stood for."

The figure untied their cloak, and took it off. The wearer was Professor McGonagall. She stood broad and tall. The bravest she had looked all her life. The time had come. She was ready to do her part to save the wizarding world.

She walked into the castle. It was totally empty. But it had a presence in there. Someone had been there. But she knew that it was totally empty. The thought of the castle empty angered her. She took her wand, and lit the first candle near her. Then it led to another, and another, until the whole entrance hall was lit up. It was the beginning of her Revolution.

~~

Professor McGonagall, hidden by her cloack, walked to Hogsmead, finishing her journey in the Three Broomsticks. It was late, and when she entered, only Tonks, Madam Rosmerta, and the Weasley Twins were there. They were all huddled up, thinking what would happen next with the battle against Voldemort.

The moment they saw the cloaked figure, they drew their wands, reading to cast.

"Wait!" McGonagall said.

They withdrew their wands. And she removed her cloak. They all were astonished. "Good Lord Minerva, you gave us a fright," Madam Rosmerta said, her hand on her heart.

"I'm sorry," McGonagall replied, "I thought I was best to come unoticed. She took a seat next to them. Madam Rosmerta drew up a Butterbeer and placed it next to her. "Thank you," Mcgonagall said. She took a sip.

"So why have you been hidden all this time?"

"At first," she started, "I was too heartbroken over the event with Dumbledore. I had to go off and regain my senses. Then, I realized that I couldn't come back without a plan."

"And do you have a plan?"

"Yes I do," she said bravely.

"Well go on, tell us," they all said, "Will you open the school back up?"

"Well, not in the way you think I would," she said. They all had a puzzled look on their face. "You all know, the point of opening the school back for learning is useless. But, all of the witches and wizards who are defensless need a place to stay. And as most of you know, the Order is looking for member."

"Whats your poin?" they all said.

"Here is my proposition, we use Hogwarts as the new Order of the Pheonix headquarters. Visitors who come here could come to Hogwarts, and be a member of the Order. And for the members who are not the best with spells, can learn. For it is a school after all."

"So let me get this straight," Fred said, "You want to reopen Hogwarts as a training center for the Order?"

"Exactly."

"I like it," he said. The others nodded in agreement.

"Excellent, then what we need to do is to get Hogwarts back up and running. I'm sure Molly would like to help."

"Absolutely," the twins said, "We'll go tell her the plan now."

"And for the rest of us," Mcgonagall said, "We need to tell the rest of Hogsmead about it, and to get them to join the Order."

Soon, everybody was up and doing their part. the twins apparated to the Ministry to tell Mrs.Weasley, Tonks went to tell the rest of Hogsmead, and Rosmerta went to tell her guests. Mcgonagall smiled with a gleam in her eyes. Dumbledore would be so proud.

A new revolution was about to begin.

---
And that concludes our 12-part series. Sad? Well don't fret, because I am going to do a Harry Potter followup tomorrow!! So stay tuned!!

Back to Magic- Chapter 11

Chapter 11- The Three Broomsticks

Madame Rosmerta had not yet gotten over being Imperiused by a student during the last school year, and her simmering anger played a large part in galvanizing the citizens of Hogsmeade into fortifying their village against the dark arts.

She still ran her pub along strict rules for the most part, but now she was offering free room and board to those wishing to avoid the Death Eaters, who were getting more and more open about their activities. The very thought of them made her fists clench and her eyes go cold.

Sitting near the doorway at the table with Fred and George Weasley, who were surprisingly, not dressed in their usual flambouyant manner, Nymphadora Tonks hid a smile behind a swig of butterbeer. "There she goes again," she said, nodding her head a little toward the pub's owner. "Everytime she thinks of Draco Malfoy and what he did to her, she goes all stiff like that. If you don't want to be hexed by an angry woman, don't mention the name Malfory around here. I'm dreading the day she realizes my mum's sister is married to one."

"Oh, I think we'll be gone before our curiosity gets the better of us," Fred said and glanced at Rosmerta. "Look at that, George. She looks just like Mum when she does that!"

"Quiet!" admonished Tonks. "Don't let her see you watching." She had another swallow of butterbeer. "As I was saying before I interrupted myself, Remus is at the castle. He sent word that Hagrid is there with the house elves and the ghosts, and yeah, the enchantments around it are working. I knew Remus wanted to come here and wait for Harry. He's positive Harry'll come here. It's what they call a no-brainer in the Muggle world. My dad's favorite catch phrase."

She shrugged. "Well, if you know Harry at all, it's true."

"So, I guess we aren't uniquely intelligent after all, Fred," said George.

"Can't be," Fred agreed, "if everyone has figured that out. I had such high hopes for our deductive reasoning being above par."

"And we worked it out so well, too. Harry disappears, then our Ron, bless him, does a vanishing act right under the nose of the ministry, followed shortly by Herminone Granger. Add it all up and it equals Hogwarts." George paused. "Funny, there aren't a dozen Death Eaters attacking us about now. Certainly, Snape and the young-" he whispered dramatically, "Malfoy" and raised his voice again, "will have figured that out, too."

"Even if they did, Hogsmeade is the safest place to be just now. Madame Rosmerta has organized the townspeople to set enchantments around the village, too. With the whole population of witches and wizard helping, we're as safe as can be, until You-Know-Who shows in force, any road."

Fred looked down at the table top. "We'll help you stand guard while we're here, Tonks," he said, as if he didn't want to see her reaction to him being so serious.

"Yeah," added George, looking towards the fireplace. "We will."

She didn't smile but she wanted to. "Get settled in then. I'll be at the train station. The clock tower offers a really good view of the castle gates."

------
Well that concludes Chapter 11. Come back tomorrow for the finale of our 12 part story!!

Back to Magic- Chapter 10

Chapter 10- Reunited, For Better (Or Worse)

Harry turned, and started walking for the staff room door. "I mean it...with or without you, I'm going. You can either join me, or stay here and wonder what happens next!" With that, he strode through the door, closing it loudly.

Hagrid and Lupin only hesitated a moment, then both turned and tore for the door as if possessed. Following Harry, they all descended the great stairs, and exited through the massive oak doors that in better days had welcomed so many students to Hogwarts. Walking silently across the grounds, they kept an alert eye out for anything unusual. Suddently, they heard voices shouting in the distance.

Harry and Lupin had their wands out instantly, while Hagrid brandished his umbrella. It took a moment for them all to realize that the voices were coming from ablove them, and as one, they all looked skyward.

To Harry's amazement, he saw Ron, with Hermione hanging on for dear life, flying towards them as if being chased, hollering the who time. "Harry...Harry, wait for us!!" they cried, landing lightly next to them on the verdant lawn. "Thank goodness we found you...we've been worried sick, and now I'm sure everyone is in an uproar since we vanished, too!"

"What are you two doing here?" Harry gave them both a look of utter exasperation. "I told you, I'm doing this without you two...I refuse to see anymore friends die over something I have to end! It's bad enough that I had to involve Hagrid, but you two..." Harry shook his head, as if shaking off visions of some impending doom. "It would kill me if anything happened to you two, also!"

"Harry, for a smart bloke, you can be so stupid," stated Ron, giving Harry a short, but piercing stare. "We both told you after Dumbledore's funeral that we were going, whether you liked it or not, and we're gonna...that's that!"

"Thats right Harry," cried Hermione, looking as if she was only too glad to have her feet on the ground again, "there is nothing you cacn do to change it now, so either come off what you are planning or I'll have to find some Vertitiserum somewhere and MAKE you tell!"

Hermione and Ron both stared stonily at Harry, as if daring him to tell them no. Then Hermione turned to Hagrid and Lupin. "I'm so glad to see you both...do you have any news of Voldemort's movements?"

While Harry just stood there dumbfounded, Lupin spoke up. "Nothing more than what most know, Hermione. Oh, we hear rumors about supposed plans, but they have, for the most part, turned out to be largely rubbish. Fenrir, of course, knows that I'm a member of the Order, so that avenue is pretty well cut off for me, which leaves me out of the loop. I didn't even have the chance to really discuss it with Hagrid before Harry showed up...Hagrid?" They all turned to him and looked up.

Hagrid shook his head. "I've bin shut up here a' the castle, hadn't I? I don't know much beyond the same rumors yer have been hearin', which makes me wonder what You-Know-Who is gonner be expecting sum'mat like that!" With that statement, ALL eyes turned to Harry, who just stood with his mouth agape.

After a moment, Harry finally looked down, knowing he was defeated. "Find...do what you what. Bu know this, for better or worse, I'm going after Voldemort, and it's going to be dangerous. If you are coming, then let's go."

With that simple statement, Harry turned and headed for the gates to the road to Hogsmeade. after only a second's hesitation, the other four followed.

Back to Magic- Chapter 9

This is a rather long chapter so I hope you enjoy!!

Chapter 9- The Twins Get Involved
By Robert S

Movement out of the corner of his eye made Fred Weasley look up from the last crate of shield items he and Verity had ready to send off to the Ministry, and he saw George come into the back room of their joke shop.

"Who sent the owl?" he asked and waved his wand at the crate. It vanished instantly, on it's way to poor, defenseless ministry workers somewhere.

"It's just small packages now, Mr. Weasley," Verity said. "I'll handle them if you wish."

"If you will, Verity," he said and walked slowly toward George, who turned with him and they both headed for the stairs leading up to their small flat. "What's up? You haven't looked that serious since you tested the first batch of U-No-Poo."

George raised an eyebrow as if that was the last thing he ever wanted to remember. "It's a censored parchment from Dad-look, all blurred out and everything, but he managed to clue me in that Ron's got out from under the Minisry's nose and Mum's gone mad over it."

Fred reached the top of the steps and opened the door and grinned. "You don't say?" With the door closed behind them, George handed the note to him and he raised both eyebrows as he looked at the many blurred woreds and lines on it that the aurors thought gave too much away. "Well done, Ron. Fudge's death must have stunned the aurors, or he'd have never gotten past them. What do you think he's going to do, George?"

"Find Harry, of course. Though that shouldn't be too hard considering Harry already said he wanted to visit his parents' graves. All anyone who knows this has to do is go there and wait."

"Anyone?"

George took back the parchment and began folding it in slow movements as he thought. "Well, yeah, anyone."

"Definitely scares me sometimes." He rubbed his chin. "Hogwarts, then?"

"No," George shook his head. "Hogsmeade. We can get a room at the Three Broomsticks and watch for signs of activity at the castle. The rumors of Death Eaters taking over are rubbish. The enchantments around the school are still in place. Bill said Dumbledore's are gone but, he and Moody aded a few that will make anyone with a Dar Mark feel as if they'd run into a brick wall. They got the idea from the battle in the astronomy tower. If Dark Marks can be used to cross barriers safely, they can be used to keep their bearers out, too."

Fred was already using his wand to fill a small bag with clothes and other items. "Hogsmeade, it is. Shall we take along brooms, do you think? Might come in handy."

George smiled. "Good thought. I'll pop downstairs to tell Lee he has the shop for a few days and he can let it slip, if anyone asks, that we went into hiding with the family at Mum's request, but that we'll be back as soon as Ron is found." With a crack he was gone.

Fred looked around the small flat, collecting items to send on ahead. He knew Tonks was stationed at Hogsmeade and he wanted her to be alert for their arrival.

His patronus had just departed when George reappeared with Lee a moment later. The three friends looked at one another silently for a long time.

Lee looked away first. "Let me know if you need anything," he said. With a double crack, the twins were gone.

Back to Magic- Chapter 8

Chapter 8- The Escape Part 2

Herminone was driven into insanity. Due to the fact that Hogwarts, or any of the magical world was not safe, her parents cut her off from all magical contact. She felt like Harry when he told her about living with the Dursleys.

She worried about Harry. She had no idea whether he was alive or not. She knew that he was only safe at the Dursley's until his 17th birthday. And now, that magic was gone. He was completely defenseless, and nobody was there to help him.

Everyting was falling apart in the magical world. She bent down and looked at the latest Daily Prophet that was sent to her.

Fudge, Former Minister, Dead

Nobody was safe. People were dying by the day. And nobody knew how to stop it. She sat down and put her head in her hands.

There was a thud on her window. It cared her, and she got up and opened it. And to her suprise it was Ron. "Ron, oh my God, I am so glad to see you!"

"Why wouldn't you be?"

Herminone smiled. It was good to hear his sarcasm again. "You know what I mean. I haven't heard from anybody, and I don't know if Harry is dead or alive. We have to find him!"

My point exactly," Ron replied.

Herminone wasted no time. She ran to get her wand, and put on her robes.

"Arn't you gonna tell your mum or dad?"

"This is a moment of life and eath, I don't have time to tell them."

"What happened to Herminone over the summer?"

Herminone smiled, yet didn't reply. She got on the broom, and they both flew off.

"Where do you think we should look first?" Ron asked.

"Where else?" Herminone replied, "Hogwarts."

"Off we go then."

And they both flew up in the cold air, on their great escape.

Back to Magic- Chapter 7

Chapter 7- The Escape

Ron paced the floors. He couldn't believe he was considering escaping from the Ministry, and his parents. His mother was going to kill him. But he couldn't worry about that now. He had to do something.

Ron packed a few ingrdients in his bag, and a few items from his brother's shop. They may come in handy. And he took the room that he got for becoming a prefect in his 5th year. He was all set. But before he left, he sat down by a small desk in the room, and wrote a letter:

"Dear Mum,
I know you are going to kill me once you find this, but I had to do it. You know as much as I do that Harry needs my help. And I'm going to do it. Don't try and come looking for me, for you won't have any luck. I will be long gone. And I also have to make a stope somewhere else. Be safe mum.
Ron"

He was all set. He opened the windo in the small room, mounted his broom, and flew off. The cool breeze blew through his face. It felt good. The Ministry looked so small below him. The time had come. He was going to help Harry. He had to make a quick stop first.

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That was the end of Chapter 7. Stay tuned later today for the second part!!

Back to Magic- Chapter 6

Chapter 6- Return to Old Friends

"Hagrid!" cried Harry. "Am I glad to see you!"

"And I'm glad ter see yer too, Harry..I've been worried sick ever since I heard that yer run off without telling no one where yer were headin'." Hagrid turned and glanced back inside the staff room, then looked at Harry intently. "Are yer going ter do a disappering act on me too, nows that you know someone's here?"

"No, Hagrid...as a matter of fact, you are just the person I was hoping to find." Harry glanced down, then earnestly looked up and into Hagrid's eyes. "I came to ask something of you, and I'm hoping that you will do it for me, but I know you will have some reservations."

Hagrid again glanced into the staff room, then back to Harry, a guilty gleam in his eyes. "Harry, before yer start telling anything, I should probably tell you that Lupin is here too." hagrid opened the door a bit wider, and Harry peered around his massive body to see Lupin, quietyly sitting in a chair, and staring out the windo as if he didn't see or hear anyone around.

"It's alright, Hagrid...I should have known that he would find shelter here, just as I did, once." Harry stepped past Hagrid, and walked over to Remus, and simply smiled at him softly. "Hey Professor...here to rest some?"

Lupin rose, stared intently into Harry's eyes, and said quietly, "No, actually I cam to see if you were here. It seemed like the most likely place to find you, given the circumstances."

Harry's eyes wandered briefly from Lupin to Hagrid, then back, and he seemed to suddenly come to a decision. Nodding slightly, he turned to Hagrid and said "Well, I might as well get on with it. Hagrid, I need to ask something very important of you, and Professor, please...don't interfere with this. This is something I need to do, and can't do without Hagrid's help."

Harry paused, trying to find the right words, then simply blurted out, "Hagrid, I need you o take me to my parent's house in Godric's Hollow. I need to see where it all started, and I want to go as soon as possible."

Lupin's face tightened, but it was Hagrid's reaction that stunned Harry. "Harry, have yer gone daft? Yer can't be heading there, it's just the sort of place that Voldemore would be watching for ye, it's madness to even consider it!"

Harry stood there, silent, for a moment, at a loss for how to handle Hagrid's reaction. Finally, he said quitely, "Hagrid, you take me, or I go alone, but I AM going."

Hagrid and Lupin exchanged looks, then they both turned back to Harry.

Back to Magic- Chapter 5

Chapter 5- Looking for Answers

Harry put his hand on the cold catle wall. It felt cool. And it had the presence of emptyness. He felt so alone. And he was. Nobody to help him in his time of need. Nobody.

The sun had gone down, and it was not really dangerous, for he knew that anybody could be near him. He took out his wand. "Lumos," and the wand spurted out gleaming light. He was ready to enter the place he promised he would never return to.

It looked exactly the way he remembered it. The same way he saw it the day of Dumbledore's funeral. The thought of Dumbledore put tears to his eyes. He held them back. He knew that he could not show any emotion in times like these. He had to be strong, tough, even though he felt like the world he lived in was coming to an end. He continued on.

He could hear the portraits snoring above him in the great staricase. He walked up, and walked into a dark, and deserted corridor. Harry only walked in there a few times. It was where the staff usually came to talk. He saw a portrait beginning to wake up. "Who goes there?" the portrait asked.

"It is I, Harry Potter."

"I'm suprised to see a face."

"Really, why is that?"

"Because," the portrait said, "Nobody has been here since--"

"Since Dumbledore's death," Harry cut in.

"Well...yes." The portrait bent his head down, looking like he was honoring the great wizard.

"The only people to keep me company are two people here."

"What do you mean?"

"Two wizards have been here. And they are now siting in the staff room over there."

As soon as Harry looked over there, he hard big footsteps, from a very big person.

---
Stay tuned for Chapter Six!!

Back to Magic- Chapter 4

Chapter 4- The Right First Step

After running for what seemed like days, they came to rest in a dark cave. Exhausted, stinky, and covered in mud, blood and bruises. The two unlikely people smoothed out a patch of soft dirt to curl up and take a quick nap. They dare not use magic, for they may be tracked down like dogs. If they were found, by either side, they would truly die. The older of the two had killed th only man who ever trusted him.

And the younger man, not even considered an adult, had not fulfilled the one task given him. Therefore, this young man had no will to live. In his mind he has been dead ever since he has gotten his task. It was not a matter of if he was going to die, but when. For him, his time had come. His father is a disgrace, his mother is most likely dead, and he was as good as dead. He knew that his name, that of which use to strike fear into the listeners, would mean nothing in the future. He was the last of his line.

Now, all that the young blonde boy longed to do was take a long warm shower. He longed to be safe at home back in the days when his father took care of everything. Now he was stuck in a dark damp cave with his treacherous teacher who had doomed him to a short existence.

The dark older man spoe, "You are pathetic, not even dead yet and acting as if you are."

It was if the older man had read his thoughts. "Professor, I did not know you were a legitimens," said the young boy.

"Draco, let me tell you this. One can not be a good spy without knowing how to read as well as hide their thoughts," said Snape with his nose stuck up in the air. "I am going to give you a crash course in Occulemcy. It will help you learn that the Dark Lord is not the way to go. Hopefully you are a ounce better then Potter at Occlemency," Snape snapped at Draco.

"Of course, I am better..." That young blonde boy knew that in reality he could not go to the Dark Lord. This was his only chance to give his name a good standing. He did not have to like the people he was working with but it was the best for him and his future. "For I am, Draco Malfoy!"

Unwilling, Draco had been placed on the same side as his school rival. But that did not matter, what mattered was his name. And for this reason the Malfoy name will have honor and pride attached to it connotation instead of fear and pompousness.

Snape shouts "Legitimen."

And the lesson begins.

-----
Make sure to stick around for Chapter 5 tomorrow!!

Back to Magic- Chapter 3

Another correction. Sorry, but it turns out that I was looking at Chapter 7 that will have to be split into two parts. Sorry about that guys!!

Well here is some more Back to Magic. Enjoy!!

Chapter 3- Ron's Thoughts

Ron sat on his new bed. It felt really good and soft. But it was nothing like the Burrow. He missed it. The Ministry forced the Weasleys to leave it, and stay in a safe place, under the Ministry's protection.

Because they knew that Harry would go there if not Hogwarts. And that would be a big target for Voldemort's Death Eaters. The ministry kept trying to get Ron to contact Harry and to get him to the Ministry.

Since Dumbledore's death, the Ministry was at an all time low. Nobody believed the ministry when they said that they had everything under control. They knew the truth. It was war. And nobody was safe. Whether or not the ministry said so.

And the Ministry's main goal was to get Harry, and to get him to assure the people that everything was fine. Ron knew Harry wouldn't do it. He was too smart to fall in the Ministry's hands. He wished that he could go out and find Harry, and help him with his fight to defeat the Dark Lord. Eventually he would.

And he would do whatever it would take to protect Harry. He waited for a reply from Hedwig, but nothing. Could Harry be dea? Or under the hands of the Death Eaters? Ron knew he had to do something. And he had to do it now.

Back to Magic- Chapter 2

It wasn't long after Chapter 1 was released, and people were asking for more!! I'm glad you enjoy it so far, and it is only going to get better!

Before we start, I wanted to say that I looked through the chapters and realized that Chapter 3 is the longest of all of them, double the length of the other chapters. So what I'm going to do for you is give you double of this story tomorrow. One post in the morning and one at night, so make sure you stick around for that.

Now on with the show!

Chapter 2- Inside the Castle
By Robert S.

Remus Lupin stood before the fireplace in the teacher's room at Hogwarts and idly watched Hagrid working at a leather bag in his lap. The strap was loose and he was mending it with a huge needle and what looked to be unicorn tail hair.

"Ain't no bother, I been tellin' you," Hagrid said. "No one here but me and the house elves and the ghosts and between us we been lookin' after the upkeep of the grounds and all. I'm glad to have you fer company. The centaurs have gone all quiet and secretive since the last teachers left. Got no one to talk to, so yer more'n welcome to be here."

"That is kind of you, Hagrid. I must admit I never thought I'd find the school so empty. So even Filch has gone?"

"Aye. Just in the last weeks. Rumors going 'round the pubs have run him off." Hagrid chuckled. "Course, he says he's goin' to visit a sick relative."

Lupin gave a slight smile. "I'm glad you're still here, Hagrid. Glad you haven't let the rumors scare you off."

Hagrid paused and looked up at Lupin. "Ain't nothing ever goin' to run me out of Hogwarts again, Perfessor. I'll give my life if old You-Know-Who tries to take it." He went back to work mending the strap. "Learn't that from Harry, I did. If that boy can stand up to him face-to-face without breakin', so can I."

Remus smiled wider this time. "Harry has taught us all a few things we never knew we needed to learn."

"Aye, he has that, ain't he?" Hagrid chuckled. "What makes you think he's coming here?"

Lupin took a deep breath. "Just a feeling. He has no home now and as much as he enjoys visitng the Burrow, and as much as he dislikes Order headquarters, neither has ever meant so much to him, good or bad, as Hogwarts. When I heard he'd disappeared after turning 17, I tried to imagin where he might go. If I were he, I would come here."

Hagrid grunted. "Let's hope yer right. If the Death Eaters come to that conclusion, he ought not to be here alone. Not that he would've been, mind you. Not with me and that daft house elf, Dobby, stayin' here. Between you, me and him, Harry can sleep at peace here if he's a mind."

"I'm glad to hear that, Hagrid," Lupin said. "Harry mustn't forget the value of friendship."

Hagrid nodded. "What you think he's up to, disappearin' like that?"

Lupin shrugged. "We'll find out if and when he shows up." He sighed. "I hope I'm right."
-------

Liked it? I hope you did!! I'll give you some more tomorrow so stay tuned!!

-Tyler

Back to Magic

How many of you are Harry Potter fans? I'm sure alot of the world has been consumed by the magic that Harry Potter has brought on us. I remember when the 7th book came out. Millions lined out in roads to get their hands on the final book. I myself was one of them.

Once upon a time, I was the owner of a Harry Potter site called the Deathly Hallows. I thought it was very appropriate for the time period. Well anyways, it was weeks before the final book was to be released. So myself, and many of the writing members got together, and thought it would be fun to write our own version of how the book would turn out to be.

After years of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" being released, I have uncovered this story. Unfortunately, it is unfinished, and the writers and myself never decided to finish it. But I have all 12 chapters available. Remember I said that I wanted to do another series? Well this one will be 12 parts, so it'll keep us busy for awhile.

I'm going to throw this in there. I do not remember the other authors that co-wrote this, and all records indicating who they are have been erased. If and when they come forward, I will add their names to the appropriate chapters.

You guys ready? Lets get started!!

Chapter 1- Outside the Castle

Harry stared at the water of the Black Lake while sitting on a stump. It was the same place that Harry and Neville stood in their 4th year, studying Herbology.

Harry was in a blank spell. He had those often since Dumbledore's death. The last few months was a total shock to him. He watched Dumbledore die under the hands of Snape, the one they trused, and the one that soon betrayed them. His anger towards Snape burned his skin.

"Some brithday," Harry said. This was by far the worst birthday yet. Since the Dursleys let Harry stay until his 17th birthday, they kicked him out, and slammed the door on his way out. He now had no protection.

He picked up the open box that laid on the ground. It came from Ron. He looked at the items that Ron had given him for his birthday. Everything came from Weasley Weezes. Probably because that was the only thing eh could get. Along with that, it contained a letter:

"Harry,
HOpe you have a good birthday. Use these items on your journey to find the horcruxes. I wish you would tell me where you are at. You know I will go and help you, Herminone too. Please be safe.
Ron"

Harry set the letter Down. He know that if he told Ron or Herminone of where he was, they would come and find him. And he did not want that. He did not wantthem to get involved in the battle that was waged between him and Voldemort.

He looked at the castle above him. It looked like a shadow without the lights. Since Dumbledore's death, nobody dared enter it's walls, thinking it was surrounded by Death Eaters. Everybody was scared of it, except Harry. Nothing mattered to him anumore. They sky was getting dark. He got up. And he started heading towards the castle. He knew that the castle held some clues to finding what he was looking for. And he was going to find it.

----
That concludes the first chapter! I hope you enjoyed it, and we will pick up with Chapter 2 tomorrow!

Obsessive Involvement

Wow. I come on after a day and I find that Tyler's World has not only exceeded the 1,000 view mark, but it also had one of it's biggest leaps in views in a very long time!! Thanks you guys!!! That means alot to me and shows that all of you are supportive on my blog!!

I guess that was also because of the Tim Urban post that I made. I know how you American Idol fans can get, ha ha. I think I'll have to make this a weekly thing.

I sit here, very close before midnight, and waiting for the new batch of snow to come our way. I don't think it is very far. Maybe a few minutes. This batch I'm not going to be so happy for. Last time we had to go on Saturday to make it up. Talk about a fast weekend!! Well I promised myself that I would do no more Saturday sessions. I'm a senior for crying out loud!!

I didn't get to work out today. I came home and ate lunch, and there must have been something in there because I got a major headache, and wasn't worth much after that. Plus, I had to cart my sisters all over town when they got out of school. It's okay, I still love them. I'll just have to try and work out tomorrow. To be honest though, I don't think it's really helping my weight situation...

So a flock of birds told me that my former "obsessive" friend got involved with the cops last weekend. I was only shocked that they didn't know what it was for. Her situations lately haven't really been secret to me or anyone in my senior class. My theory is that she harrassed someone to the point where they called the cops on her. And of course, I have to throw in the idea that she may have threatened them for some god-knows reason. Either way, apparently she has been deprived of everything by her parents and "grounded for life". Her parents are nice and all, but they always eventually cave, and then it is back to her old way. By the way, I wonder if I'll be seeing her in the arrest reports soon.

So today I finished the 3rd season of Battlestar Galactica. Ah, how I love that show. I won't give too many details because I want to feature it in my "Off The Air" post that I haven't had the motivation to type yet. But I'll tell you this; it leaves you yearning for more!!

Well, I know this post wasn't as hot as my last one, but I assure you, more great stuff is to come!!

-Tyler