((IC popcorning because I didn't want her to freak other pups out. I hate to do this, I've had her so long, but it was past time!))
There were rumors that a stranger in black and red had appeared just outside school grounds and flagged down a passing owl before giving it a letter and then turning and fading away.
No one was really sure what or who that was, or even if it had really happened. But coincidentally, May Parker got a letter by owl post that day that made her drop everything she was carrying.
After dashing back to her room and packing like mad, she sent out some hasty owls:
Hey -
I'm leaving in about an hour for New York - I'm okay, but a severe family emergency came up. Alley's coming with me and I wanted to let everyone know I hadn't dropped off the face of the Earth. I don't know when I'll be back, and didn't want to cause any unnecessary panic.
Here's hoping I won't be gone too long.
Take care,
Mayday
Geoffrey -
You probably don't remember me, but you cast me as one of the fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream - Moth, I think - because you needed warm bodies. Unfortunately, I need to go home, and don't know when I'll be back. I'm sorry to do this; I wouldn't bail if it wasn't an emergency and my family wasn't so nuts. I don't think you'll have any trouble finding someone to fill my part.
Thanks,
May Parker
As soon as the owls were sent, May hurried across the Quidditch pitch with belongings and puppy in tow. As she stepped into the forest, it almost looked like the stranger from earlier had appeared again, and then she was gone.
Down in the popcorn room, another name shimmered into existence on the plaque.