Perhaps I should have done this much sooner. I don't know what compelled me not to. The idea of 'second chance', perhaps. But it's been brought to my attention by one Harry Potter that some people might not deserve a second chance. I don't want to judge one way or the other, but information? Information I can give.

Severus Snape is the founder and headmaster of the school here in Asgard, named after a great man, Albus Dumbledore. Both of them are from my world, although I've unfortunately never had the opportunity to really get to know Albus overly well as myself. He didn't care much for the likes of me growing up.

On the other hand, I know Severus Snape fairly well, although I won't deny that he's a complex person. Two years older than me, I've rarely met anyone who'd be a match for him in creativity and cruelty. Although I'm not and never was the type to look up to anyone, if I was, it might have been to him. I've seen him kill, maim and torture. I've heard him come up with plans and ideas to effectively cause the greatest suffering to the most people. I've met many cruel men and women in my time, but never anyone who'd combine such destructive energy with such cold logic. In his defense - perhaps? - it never seemed as if he took much pleasure from killing or hurting.

What he does take pleasure in is establishing his superiority, abusing his powers - whatever they might be - to make others feel weak. I've experienced it in person both back in my world and here. I've seen him use it against others, like his victims and his students, countless times. Just recently someone we both taught at one point, Neville Longbottom, arrived here and confirmed my suspicion that he never found it necessary to reign in these urges.

This man has not only killed and tortured, but even once he'd seemingly abandoned that path, the psychological terror never stopped. I am not surprised that he'd start a school here. What better way to access young and fictile minds?


I'm aware that many might not see it fit to believe me. Mr Longbottom might perhaps be easier trusted. I'm sure he has no reason to keep anyone concerned from the truth. Others from my world might have more motive to hold on to some grudges while brushing over others. War always has many sides and each tries to shape the truth to their advantage. I've merely stated facts.

Oh, and before I forget. Draco Malfoy, whatever is it that you did or promised to do to earn a place I doubt you deserve?


[ooc: When two Death Eaters fight, all of Asgard can come in and enjoy themselves. Choose sides or just eat popcorn! Also: There will be a destructive plot involving the school this month, keep your eyes on the ooc comm for that.]

[The video opens to a tired, very surly looking Professor Snape. He's lost weight since the last time he appeared on the network with an announcement addressed to the Travellers; his sallow face is thinner, the bags under his eyes are more pronounced, and he looks like he's aged a good few years. This city is truly starting to take a toll on him.

He's in his school office, at his desk. When he speaks, he's curt, churlish and absolutely no-nonsense.]

For those of you who are new to Asgard, or for those of you who failed to pay a modicum of attention to the previous announcements I made concerning the matter in which I'm about to address, my name is Professor Snape and I am the Headmaster of the Albus Dumbledore Academy, a school of education and tutelage, which I have established in Odin district.

The school is open for anyone eighteen years and under who wishes to pursue an education, be that in mathematics, literature, science, or any other number of subjects on offer.

Enrollment and attendance to my school is voluntary; however, should you so choose to undertake an education, allow me to make it very clear that I do not tolerate tardiness, disrespect, insolent behaviour or acts of misdemeanour. Any student who chooses to commit any such offences will be reprimanded severely. [Severus is looking straight at you, Mr. Stilinski.]

Of course, I am always in need of assistance with regards to the running and upkeep of the school, be that teachers, tutors or those who may be able to offer assistance in other ways. If you possess any useful skills that you feel would benefit the Albus Dumbledore Academy, I invite you to step forward and make yourself known.

Direct any queries or concerns to either myself or to my secretary, Miss Gallagher.

[Abrupt end of video feed.]

Locked from Rachel

[The screen blinks on to show Stiles -- looking behind him.]

No... No, Hale. Guard the door. Let me know if Rachel comes back. Guard, Hale. Get mommy.

[There's a few chirps that follow, then Stiles looks back at the screen, the trademark 'I didn't do anything' look on his face. (Scott is probably very familiar with this look. So is his dad.)]

Uh, hey. So...

I have a sort of favor to ask. Or, really, just some advice. I sort of want to, um, do something for Rachel. Like, take her out on a date-date while it's quiet. I don't know how long we'll have before the next batch of shit hits the fan, so I...

[He pauses, looking down and trying not to show that he was thinking back to the incident with the lightning guys.]

I don't want to do anything funerally for her after she-- after that, so I sort of want to just... move past it? Maybe make sure she doesn't think about it any time soon.

[Because both of them waking up from nightmares would just be dumb.]

So yeah. Kind of looking for some tips on places to take her or ideas on things to do that might maybe border on the romantic. I love the Highwind, but taking your girlfriend to the place you both work isn't exactly a 'sweep you off your feet' maneuver. I'd just... I want to do something nice. Ideas would be welcome.

[ Regina Mills meets you today dressed in a royal blue jacket and tailored black pants and though she could really use a change of clothes, she isn't about to make this her point. No, instead she folds one leg over the other, every hair in place and lifts her chin. all in all, she appears to be, well, regal.

Who expects less from the Evil Queen? But for the moment, she is more Regina than Her Majesty. Her voice may be deep and commanding, a no-nonsense tone sitting there but the subject of why she addresses the whole city, well. ]

Asgard.

[ the only 'hello' and 'how do you do' that you'll get. ]

I won't ask you how do you do because honestly, it'll be more than a bit ridiculous of a question given everything. I arrived here nearly a month ago and to my understanding, we are expecting another influx of unsuspecting people who were minding their own business before being sent here.

My son is not in the city, I don't know if he'll ever be in the city. But just in case, I ask you to be aware. His name is Henry, he is twelve. There are not many little boys in this city but if you'll need a picture, I can provide one.

[ it feels wrong to be showing a picture of Henry and her to a crowd of unfamiliar faces. ]

I also know that there have been a number of - well, there is no other way of saying it but gruesome in this city a while ago.

[ Like you can talk, Regina, you rip people's hearts out. ]

Know this. Henry is my son. I will not see him harmed. Not for the world.

[ her eyes go darker, flare in anger and the threat. well. the threat is very present. Like a mama bear who just made it very clear that her young one will be protected at the cost of her own life. ]

[Is he going to mention anything that happened during the power failures? Definitely not. Not when he could distract himself with something else. Anything else. And his voice now is as cheerful as it's ever been.]

Hey-o, Asgard! Super quick poll time. How many people here would skin me alive if given the chance?

[No reason. Actually, several reasons, but. He follows it with a laugh.]

Not that I'm volunteering... yet. But hypothetically. No consequences, no turnabout, just a good, straightforward flaying of Henrys!

...Or anyone, for that matter. If you could slaughter absolutely anyone here with absolutely no backlash, would you go for it? I mean, it's not like anything you do is gonna follow you back home, so you might as well go wild with it! Doesn't even have to be for any reason, though you can imagine one if you'd like. Maybe you're just curious as to how it feels! --It feels great, by the way.

I've asked before whether anyone had murdering experience, and was kinda surprised at the answer- but I'm wondering if that's changed at all for anyone, just from being here. A lot of folk haven't been in a war before, and I see a lot of people asking or offering lessons in fighting. Which is great and all, but how many have experience in killing? It's a totally different field! And it's kinda the one that counts when it comes down to it.

But getting back to the important question here: skinning of Henry, yes or no? I'll even return the favor, if you want, though I'm a little out of practice. But if anyone wants a gory death for any reason, I'm your guy!

[ The morning's fierce thunderstorm may have calmed, but the unnatural silence that has fallen over the city brings little peace. Even the white noise of the rain is constant and heavy enough to fade from Travelers' awareness; it is the sort of quiet that begs one to break it, that drags out each successive moment for longer and longer.

That night, Heimdall addresses the network. He holds himself more formally than usual, shoulders back and chin up, gaze level into the feed as if he's meeting every Traveler's eyes directly. There's an air of authority about him and quiet certainty in his voice when he speaks. It's not strange by any means, but it's different enough that those who have spoken to him prior will know something has happened -- something that will affect them all. ]

Good evening, Travelers. I do hope this reaches you in safety. Certainly, this storm is no mere weather, and its mainspring...

[ Heimdall breathes in and seems to make a decision. He will tell the Travelers more than his King would approve of, in the hopes of ensuring their support. There has been enough conflict recently, arguments and placation, things for which they can no longer spare the time or energy. ]

Odin is gone. Shielding Asgard from Yggdrasil's collapse has taxed our King profoundly, and he has fallen into a sleep from which he cannot be woken. I ask of your patience as we await his recovery, and through any changes his rest may bring. Thor, Prince-Regent and heir, will reign in his father's absence.

I'm certain many of you have questions. While I will endeavor to respond, please realize there is much to be done at the moment. Thank you for your cooperation in this difficult time.

[ sup Asgard, here's an oracle looking particularly pleased, and it's because she's ..particularly pleased with herself. or maybe just in general. it's hard to tell. but she's sitting on the floor of a bedroom ( hers? probably. but who knows. ), her bracelet being held up for a moment when the feed first clicks on before it's put on the floor in front of her. then she's kind of stretching but kind of not, leaning forward a little, pretty much just to avoid the most unflattering camera angle in the world. but she's too jittery to actually hold the camera up, so- right. anyway. ]

So I've been thinking. [ there's a pause, like she's imagining someone going 'uh oh' ] And I think what this city really, really needs is an art club. Or an art- something. Club sounds too much like high school. And that's not what I'm thinking of. Not really a class, but just a time and place where people can get together and make- stuff. Make art. There's a really great space in the Freyr district that's open to the public to use, and I've been going there just to draw and paint on my own, but I just keep thinking that it might be really cool if there was a whole group of us. And I already know there's a few people here who like art as much as I do, so I figured I'd bring it up. Because why not.

We don't even have to work on any projects together, specifically, but sometimes it's kind of nice surrounding yourself with people just creating things, right?

[ there's a pause, and she sighs a little sigh ] I know that there are a lot of really scary things going on, and I've found myself more caught up in them than I ever thought I would be. But our purpose here isn't just about fighting and sweating and bleeding to try and save the worlds, right? It's about bringing the color back.

And... Isn't that what art is for?

[ oo, so insightful, she might have practiced that one. then she's grinning again, a little mischievous ]

So... Let me know if you want in, okay? Oh, and if anybody wants a live model to paint, I've got just the man for the job. [ she's looking up past the camera now, reaching to shut it off as she does. ] Hey, Stiles-!

You know, if you're going send a lady home and then bring her back again you could make it a little nicer for her. Maybe try and keep things the same? Just a small request from yours truly. At least I have Bee now - though I think he's going to have to take a little time to get used to Fenris.

[ And, from behind her, there's a sharp, loud bark as something comes and nudges at her feet - a rather large dog, nuzzling at her hand and distrupting the video feed for a moment. Hawke rolls her eyes before she shifts down - you might be able to see a nug behind her, if you squint. ]

Bee, we can go and get him soon. Go and settle, okay?

[ And the dog huffs out a noise, almost as though frustrated, before he trots back to curl up out of sight. ]

Speaking of... [ Her expression turns a little sour and her eyebrow lifts a little as she peers into the camera. ] Has anyone seen my dear friend Anders? There's a few words I'd like to have with him. Otherwise - 

[ A smirk, hiding the frustration and anger she's feeling. ]

Anyone for a drink?

[The video clicks on showing a close up of a woman's green eyes and then moves away showing her face and curly blonde hair, lots of it. She is smiling, pleased to see that the video is working.]

Hello, Asgard. Pleased to meet all of you. My name is River Song.

[But she isn't here just to introduce herself to the world.]

I have a request, actually. It'd be very nice if anyone looking for employees would reply to this so we can have a little chat, as I am looking for employment at the moment.

I am rather flexible and don't have any particular preferences. Up to anything, really.

Thank you. Just give me a call.

[With a wink, the feed ends ...]

[Filtered from the Eleventh Doctor]

[... but not really. There is just a little more.]

Oh, and I'd really appreciate pointers to a place that sells guns and other weaponry.

See you around.

[She blows a kiss at the camera and then she is gone.]

[It's late when the feed comes on. Not obscenely late, but late enough that there's a little surprise in it all the same. It's been almost two weeks since the Muspelheim trip, and Samantha's seated in the lab at her shop, working on something that looks like a potion.

When she glances up at the feed, she gives a short, curt nod. Her voice has an audible rasp to it, like she's been sick for a while. It's not full-out laryngitis, but the girl probably won't be shouting again. Dying in Asgard has its costs when you've done it this often.]

Utgard's lovely this time of year. For those of you who just got back from the shopping trip or who were expecting a package, drop by Pinch sometime in the next couple of days. There's a little tariff we need to discuss. [Once again, it's code to the conspirators that they need to meet one more time about this.] And for my delivery girl, stop by this evening if you have the chance.

[She took a sip of tea to sooth her throat and grunted once. The rasp hadn't gone away, but she knew it wouldn't. It was so strange to feel some part of her not working right after coming back. But, then again, that old escape clause didn't work back home anymore did it?]

Blessed belated Yule and midwinters. You won't be hearing the C word from me, so don't expect it, but thank you for those who gave me gifts. Let me know if you liked the mittens. In the meantime, I'm catching my stock back up here at Pinch. Potions stock should be back to full stock in a week or two. Thanks for your help, Merlin. Probably no new product until after that. But, since it feels a little like the world's ending, just a reminder. If you lovebirds are planning on using the end of the world as we know it as an excuse, Pinch has most of what you need in stock...

Especially if you're not the same species. [cough] We stock a few pain relievers, ointments, allergy medicines that sort of thing. You'd be surprised at how different species react oddly. So, if you're getting any funny ideas, be safe out there. [Was that a wry grin on her face?]

I literally just slept for like a week.

[ Jade's voice is a little hoarse, her hair wet from a shower, and she still seems vaguely sleepy. ]

Did I miss anything exciting? Any more giant attacks? -- how is everyone, anyway? Yes, hi, even people I don't know yet, how are you doing?

[ FILTERED TO ROXY: ]

Hey! I met Callie! At home, I mean.

So... Giles is gone. Which means Willow - you know, dog version - and I have this whole house to ourselves.

[ She heaves a sigh. ]

Roommates, anybody?

[Right. Remus wrinkles his nose, looking slightly put out, as he regards the camera.]

I, er, happened to get some particular novels for Christmas that I don't want. If anyone's interested, by all means, they're free. Er-- they're, ah, romance novels.

[Quite graphic ones, too.]

Of the, um, supernatural variety. So. Help yourselves! I'm over in Thor's district now; we're the house with all the red paint.

I have been here a while and learned many things from the creatures here.

[Leeloo is sitting cross legged at the foot of her bed with something in her hand. That something is what looks to be a gun. This one prehistoric compared to what she's used to.]

Weapons are not one of those things. I am more skilled with my hands. I have no use for something like this. Ma'oolzi. ["Stupid."]

Who would like to barter? If you would like this we can exchange. Best offer will win! And you must meet me to trade.

[She didn't care for money, not really. So whoever wants the revolver needs to make it worth her while.]

Souk! ["Look!"

Leeloo angles the recorder from her wrist to show she's sitting on a case of ammunition. The right calibur for the gun.]

This also. They came together. I just wanted to see. For myself.

Imanécocha achan'chinou assta fänko jesset bom felset. ["Machines such as these do little but destroy."]

Derek Hale? I won you, from before. Now I would like my date. That is the purpose of the auctions. Your friends were not very kind when it came to your descriptions. I would like to see for myself.