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Bedtime
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 12-12-09 14:35
Yawning, Bronwyn tumbled into the living room after returning home via floo from her nightshift WWN job. After all this time of working her Night Owl program, Bronwyn still hadn't gotten used to staying up all night and sleeping all day. She had developed a better understanding of heavy metal music, however, since she played certain songs and particular bands repeatedly. Bronwyn's tolerance for heavy metal hadn't improved, though.
While working her shift, Bronwyn sometimes received requests via owl. She didn't get a lot, however, since normal people slept at night. Not surprisingly, many of the requests she got came from her own best friend Desi. Desi was basically nocturnal and had nothing better to do at night than to send repeated requests for the Muggle band Rammstein.
Both girls had found themselves at Hogwarts a few weeks ago for the annual Career Day. It hadn't been Bronwyn's first time there, though it had been her first time representing her new place of work. Frankly, she'd been quite surprised that she'd been elected to attend. She thought she was too new for such ventures, but obviously the higher ups didn't mind. Maybe it had helped that she'd gone before in the same field, even if she'd been representing St. Emrys University's WWN station then.
Desi, on the other hand, had gone representing her field of expertise, magical law enforcement. It had been her first time participating in the Career Day as anything other than a student.
Both girls had been glad to be back at Hogwarts together, since it had reminded them of the good old days when they'd been students in Hufflepuff House. They'd chatted with Bron's brother-in-law Lawrence and sister-in-law Ariella, both of whom were also former Hufflepuffs, and of course with Ethan Somerset, Bronwyn's very sexy neighbor. They'd talked with many other old acquaintances, as well as with Bronwyn's father Wotan, who was there representing the architectural firm he worked for, and her uncle Will, Kate's father, who worked for the Ministry's Printing Office. All in all, it had been a nice Saturday, though Bronwyn had been somewhat dead on her feet, since she'd worked the night before.
Toby was still in bed when Bronwyn kicked off her shoes and climbed in, not bothering to change into her PJs. He turned and put his arm around her, so that they could cuddle until she fell asleep, which didn't take very long at all.
Distractions
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 12-12-09 22:20
Concentrating on the hoop she's in front of her, Zabrynna wills herself to its center. She wonders if Wylkie Twycross realizes that his repeating Destination. Deliberation. Determination. over and over and over doesn't really help a person trying to block out everything else while trying with deliberation and determination to reach the destination of the hoop. Also not helping her focus on the task at hand is the fact that Declan came into the Great Hall ten minutes ago and is standing with Professors Isuki and Hodfuffer, chatting very quietly.
It's a huge drain of will power to not be distracted by Professor Twycross's three Ds mantra and Declan's presence. The lesson's hardly begun really and Zabrynna has not so much as managed to splinch herself yet she's already exhausted. It's probably a very good thing that her position isn't one where she can easily look at Declan without being obvious about it.
Suppressing an audible sigh, Zabrynna tells herself she should be grateful she's even at this first apparition lesson and to just think about that hoop and getting into the middle of it without walking, hopping or by some other physical means. Nolan and Margretta had not been inclined to allow Zabrynna the lessons. Mariposa might have been willing to lend Zabrynna the galleons to pay for the lessons but without her parents' permission, she wouldn't have been allowed. Her sister must have said something to their father, who in turn talked further about it with Margretta. The two then had a long sit down with Professor Dumbledore about it. Zabrynna wasn't there so has no idea why they took as long as they did. All she knows is that when her parents left the headmaster, they'd agreed to allow Zabrynna the lessons and had paid for them.
It was just another example of how they continue to treat Zabrynna like she's a small child. She made a mistake. Granted, it was a bloody huge mistake but it's not as though she doesn't realize that. It's not as though she wasn't embarrassed by the whole thing. It's not like she's gone behind their backs and continued doing things she shouldn't. Zabrynna regrets deeply what she did and knows how very wrong it was.
They all act as though she's mentally deficient when all Zabrynna is is a girl in love. Forcing her to see that psychologist while in Mexico is not going to fix her. It didn't stop her from dreaming about Declan or from being in love with him. And sure, she has had a few fantasies about removing Not So Little Thing Number Two from the picture but Zabrynna has never acted on those fantasies. It's really not so unusual for someone to daydream about removing the person dating the object of one's affection.
Maybe she is a little obsessive. Zabrynna's willing to admit that. Could be that's why she took that distastrous step of actually using that love potion last year. She is not, however, some barmy loon who would try it again or something else equally misguided. Zabrynna was NOT going to use that love potion Anne had had. She truly was going to get rid of it.
A shriek cuts into Zabrynna's thoughts. She glances around to see who splinched this time. There are professors already clustered around Cordelia Quincy and unsplinching her only takes a second. Professor Twycross quickly calls everyone's attention back to having another go at moving with deliberation and determination to their destinations.
Zabrynna does sigh aloud this time, thinking it's going to be a long morning. Come to think of it, it's going to be a very long day. After the lesson, when most everyone else is going to be down at the pitch for the first Quidditch match since Christmas holiday, Zabrynna will be working on the project Professor Dumbledore gave her months ago. At least it finally looks like she's actually making a dent in the enormous stacks of books in that overly large room. There have been times when Zabrynna was certain that Professor Dumbledore, or someone else, was adding books to the room so that it never looked as though she'd made any headway.
Zabrynna should be excited to be standing here learning how to apparate but she suddenly wants nothing more than to go back to bed.
Thirteenth Apparition Lesson
Author: Ronan Eastwick
Date: 12-13-09 10:02
For many, the apparition lesson was their very first. For Ronan, it was his thirteenth lesson, though it might as well have been his first since it had been ages since he'd last even tried to apparate. Although he hadn't forgotten the overall concept, it was extremely difficult and without practice, especially after so long a time, Ronan needed all the instruction he could get.
He wasn't the only seventh year in the class, nor the only one repeating the course. Back during the prejudice against nons, some students had failed the licensing exam for no apparent reason other than their bloodline. In Ronan's case, he had made a mistake. He'd worked himself up in such a frenzy that his nerves had gotten the better of him and he'd splinched himself, leaving behind the tip of his left index finger. He couldn't help but wonder if he would have passed, though, even if he'd done everything correctly.
One of the benefits to repeating the course was the location. Last time, he and his fellow nons had been stuck outside in the cold, battling the elements as well as their horrible instructor, Gerti Crouch. This year, they were inside in the Great Hall and had a much nicer wizard as their teacher. Ronan briefly wondered what had happened to Professor Crouch. He didn't remember her doing anything other than belittle him and his peers, so she probably wasn't in prison. He hoped she didn't have her job anymore, so that she couldn't fill in for Wilkie Twycross if needed.
Ronan concentrated on the hoop situated on the floor in front of him. He went through the three Ds in succession and then tried to apparate, but nothing seemed to happen. He shook his head. Thinking about the past was seriously screwing with his future.
"Don't force it," Wilkie said, coming around to observe Ronan and a couple of others near him. "Just concentrate on your intended result, and don't forget the three Ds!"
Ronan purged the past from his mind and tried again. Destination. Deliberation. Determination.
With a loud crack, he disappeared and reappeared a moment later in the very center of his hoop. He patted himself down frantically, to ensure that he hadn't left any part of his body behind.
"Well done, Mr. Eastwick! Well done, indeed," Wilkie praised, clapping his hands. "Give it another go, will you?"
Ronan stepped out of his hoop to try it again. It wasn't his first time apparating, but it was the first time he'd done it in a very, very long time.
Before he tried again, he checked the time. After the lesson, he had a Quidditch match. It would be Gryffindor against Hufflepuff. Both teams were undefeated so far, so it should make for a very interesting match!
Quick Errand Cut Short
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 12-13-09 12:21
"Are you sure you 'ave to go?" Fleur asked, as she hugged Victoire to her chest. The poor child had started coughing during the night and had developed a fever by morning.
"Just for an hour so that Mrs. Davies can attend to a personal matter," Bill replied apologetically as he pulled on his coat. "I promise I won't be a moment longer than that," he added.
Fleur frowned but nodded her fair head. "'Urry back," she said, stretching to kiss her husband on the lips. "Eef I am not 'ome, I may be at your parents' 'ouse or at St. Mungo's."
Although Victoire was nine months old, Fleur still felt like a brand new mother and didn't quite feel confident in her abilities to care for her ailing child just yet.
"I'll be as fast as I can," Bill assured her. He gently kissed Victoire on her burning brow and then stepped outside into the icy cold. He knew he could have apparated to work so that he didn't have to deal with the uncomfortable weather, but Bill felt like stretching his legs and getting some fresh air. He almost regretted it as an icy blast hit his face, but he turned up the collar of his coat and instantly felt a little less wind whipped.
Bill had to watch his step since there were patches of ice here and there but for the most part, the paths had been treated to prevent someone from falling and getting injured. At the juncture where the neighborhood met High Street, Bill crossed the road to the other side to the corner of The Imperial Crown & Cauldron. He started to walk down the sidewalk, when something seemed to grab hold of the back of his coat and jerk him backwards.
Bill fumbled with the wand in his coat pocket as the invisible force continued to drag him backwards and around the corner into the alley where The Hog's Head was. He turned just in time to recognize the strange wizard who'd asked for him by name at Gringotts a few weeks ago but before he could cast a spell to defend himself, everything went black.
Surprise Visitor
Author: Plum
Date: 12-13-09 16:45
Plum's in the middle of adding freshly cut vegetables to a stew slowly simmering over a low fire when there's a knock at the door. Not expecting anyone, Plum pauses before the door to peer through the peephole, surprised at who she sees on the other side. Pasting a cordial smile on her face, Plum opens the door to say, "Uncle Malachi, I didn't know you were in the country." She makes a gesture, "Come in. Would you like some tea? Or coffee? We have that too."
Malachi Hodges smiles back at Plum. "I got in this morning. I've a business meeting Monday morning but wanted to have some time with Mum and William. Tea with lemon would be wonderful, thank you."
He looks around as he follows Plum to sit at the kitchen table where she's indicated. "All alone this morning?"
"Anthony had some errands he wanted to do and Alex has a play date. We might be going to a Quidditch match at Hogwarts a little later and this evening our band is playing. Our old house is playing today."
"You played, didn't you?"
"Yes, and sometimes I miss it. Playing around with Anthony and friends isn't quite the same. Did you play?"
"Some but I was never very good. That was your mum. Mary was dangerous with a bat."
"I know she played Beater mainly but I always pictured Mum more of a Keeper or Seeker."
"Evan was a better Keeper and a good Chaser as well. We had a lot of fun with pick-up type games."
They fall silent a moment, with Plum wondering why Malachi's stopped by. She's on the verge of blurting out one of the burning questions on why neither he nor Anissa ever thought to even so much as check up on her when they knew of Mary's and Evan's drinking problems. Why did they abandon her to them as they did? She's on the verge of asking but doesn't because Malachi says, "I went to see Evan. He's looking better than at Christmas. More alert."
"Yes, he's better," Plum nods, reaching for the teapot to top off her mug. Malachi shakes his head when she moves to pour more for him. "Slowly but steadily improving, though it's doubtful he'll ever been 100% again, if only because of his heavy drinking for so many years."
"He was better for a time, wasn't he? Working at Hogwarts as a professor, correct?"
"That's right. Mum had quit drinking and we'd left him. She got a job with St. Emrys not long after the university opened. Mum still loved him but was finally cleared headed enough to refuse to return as long as he was drinking and abusive. Dad finally got sober and made some drastic changes. It was good while it lasted."
"It all fell apart when Mary died."
"Yes, exactly."
"Was it awful growing up?"
"Very often, yes, it was pretty bad."
"How bad?"
"Both were drunk more than sober. Dad was verbally, mentally, emotionally, and physically abusive when drunk. When drunk, Mum wouldn't stand up to him for herself or for me."
"When I moved to Australia, and Mum too," Malachi says of Anissa Weaver, "Mary and Evan were drinking but it wasn't that bad, though I guess I could see the potential for worse was there. We shouldn't have left you, or at the very least, we should have checked in on you often."
Now that it was out there courtesy of Malachi, Plum doesn't hestitate to ask, "Why didn't you?"
"I don't know. I've thought back on it so often since seeing you at Christmas and for the life of me, I can't figure out why neither Mum nor I took action where you were concerned. Evan and I had had words. Mary got into it then Mum did and they let us both know in no uncertain terms that we were not welcome in their lives any longer and Mary said she considered us dead to her." Malachi's brow furrows deeply. "That shouldn't have kept me from making sure you were all right or suing for custody."
They both fall silent again, Malachi thinking back yet again to those events; Plum thinking about how different life would have been if either Anissa or Malachi had acted on her behalf.
Ice Skating
Author: Carys
Date: 12-14-09 08:45
Behind the little park in the wizarding neighborhood where Carys lived was a small lake. Since it had frozen over at the start of the winter season, many of the residents had dusted off their ice skates and gone skating when the weather permitted it. Carys had gone a few times herself but not as much as she would have liked. She didn't consider herself a very good skater, but she liked to ice skate very much.
This year, she bought Tristan a pair of skates so that she could take him with her. At the edge of the lake, she put on her pair first and then slipped his onto his small feet. Then, she took him by both hands and gently stepped onto the ice. His feet slipped this way and that, making it difficult to keep him balanced. Carys held his hands tightly so that he wouldn't fall, though if she fell, he'd probably go down too.
Tristan squealed excitedly as Carys edged away from the bank of the lake. Not many wizards were out skating today, though there were a few others there. They glided past in pairs or alone, leaving behind fine etchings on the surface of the ice. One person twirled in circles in the center of the lake.
Carys didn't move too far from the edge. She gently pulled Tristan backwards and forwards, laughing with him as he giggled excitedly. Their breaths fogged up in front of their faces, and gradually their noses turned pink.
After a short while, Carys decided they'd had enough. It was quite cold outside and though children were usually pretty resilient when it came to adjusting to frigid temperatures, she didn't want her son outside for too long. She pulled him off the ice, telling him it was time to go home. Tristan didn't like that one bit and started to protest. By the time she began pulling off his skates, he was in full tantrum mode. He hollered and screamed and made his whole body limp that Carys was forced to scoop him up off the ground and carry him home, along with their skates.
The tantrum mercifully didn't last long, however. When they got home, he found one of his toys and promptly forgot about ice skating.