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Louis
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 07-21-13 11:41
Fleur had gone into labor overnight. After her water broke, well after the family had gone to bed, Bill had made a hasty visit to Charlie to drop off Victoire and Dominique. Victoire had been woken up and had rubbed at her eyes during the short journey from one house to the next. Dominique, however, had slept throughout the transfer, never the wiser that she had moved to a different bed, much less a different house.
The baby, a boy named Louis George Weasley, was born just after sunrise. Now Bill and Fleur had two girls and a boy, perhaps to complement Charlie and Hen's two boys and a girl. They had chosen the middle name George to match those of both girls, which also started with G (Gabrielle and Ginevra) and which also was a family name.
Louis napped in his mother's arms. He was a tiny thing, wrapped in a blue blanket and wearing a blue cap on a head dusted with light red hair. There had been no visitors to see the new family member just yet, but now that it was a more respectable morning hour, they would surely come. Victoire and Dominique were no doubt eager to see their new baby brother.
Bill sat by his wife's bedside with one hand on her arm and the index finger of the other gently stroking his son's tiny hand. Fleur gazed down at her newborn son admiringly and then turned to her husband, a mixture of emotions flickering across her pretty face.
Things had been difficult between Bill and Fleur for quite some time, but the birth of Louis seemed to change them both for the better.
"Bill, I am sorry I've been such a difficult person to live with lately," Fleur began, a slight furrow marring her otherwise flawless brow. "I know ze situation with Adriana 'as been 'ard on you. She was your friend, and you cared about 'er, and you wanted to believe zat she was good. I admit zat I was jealous and zat it made me 'appy to tell you 'I told you so', zat I'm ze better person––"
"You are the better person," Bill said. "You are, Fleur. I didn't want to give up on Adriana, but I did a long time ago. She's well past saving now."
He sighed deeply and looked away for a moment. "It pains me to say so, but it's true. Yes, I loved her once. Yes, a small part of me still cares for her well-being, but I know a lost cause when I see one."
Bill looked into Fleur's eyes. "You're my wife, and it's you I love. You and our three beautiful children."
Fleur smiled at Bill and then leaned over to kiss him. Between them, Louis opened his mouth in a yawn and then settled back to sleep.
A Glimpse of Someone Familiar
Author: Illyria
Date: 07-21-13 12:07
Since Illyria wasn't Deputy Head of Ravenclaw anymore, she had no obligation to monitor the very last apparition lesson of the school year. For Ravenclaw, that duty fell onto either Professor Flitwick or Professor Kent.
Illyria wasn't so lucky to have a free Saturday, however. She stepped off campus and made her way to Baby Witch, where she intended on picking up a last minute gift for her newest nephew. Owen Uriah Haltwhistle had been born exactly one month ago.
An overly excited new mother, Olympia planned on celebrating Owen's monthly birthdays. Being one month old on this very day was a very important milestone and would be celebrated with a birthday brunch at the Haltwhistle home.
Illyria made it to Baby Witch right after the shoppe's opening and perused the infant items. She debated between a board book and a toy for several minutes before selecting the toy, a stuffed half moon that glowed in the dark.
A few minutes later she stepped out of the baby goods store with her purchase and prepared to apparate to her sister's house, when she thought she saw someone she recognized walking towards High Street. The wizard was tall with brown hair and looked exactly like Nathan Goode from the back.
For the briefest of moments, Illyria thought about following the wizard or calling out to him to see if he was really Nathan, but then she thought better of it. Nathan and Urania weren't yet divorced, and Illyria had no plans on getting involved with him again until everything was finalized. Even then, she wasn't sure what she would do. She and Nathan might have been good together, but their relationship had caused a great deal of drama.
Illyria watched the wizard turn the corner onto High Street. When he disappeared from view, she cleared him from her mind and disapparated for Owen's first month birthday brunch.
(Alanna) Saturday Morning
Author: Beck
Date: 07-21-13 14:48
Alanna wasn't scheduled to work today, but she wanted to pop by the office to take care of a few small things. She didn't plan on being there for longer than half an hour, tops, and afterwards intended on spending the day at Jared's house. Although they had pretty much put their wedding on hold because of the unfortunate circumstance in which Jared found himself, the couple could still do a little planning.
The office was very empty, since it was Saturday and most of the legal team worked weekdays only. Alanna liked the quiet far more than the frenzy of the everyday, since it meant she could concentrate more on her own work. She made quick work of the things she wanted to do and then prepared to leave, when Reed materialized from out of nowhere.
"Where did you come from?" Alanna blurted out. She had not seen him in the short time she had been working.
"Pulling records," Reed said, holding up a manila folder bursting with parchmentwork.
Alanna arched an eyebrow. "Oh, so you are actually doing work for a change?"
Reed truly looked insulted. "How else do you think I get the results I do?"
"Bribery? Flattery? Though no one in their right mind would succumb to your total lack of charm…"
"What's the matter, Beck? In a bitchy mood because your fiancé's still on house arrest? I don't know why you stay with him when he's a sexual deviant, but if that's your thing, by all means stand by your man."
"Goodbye, Reed," Alanna said, pushing past him. She was unwilling to let him goad her any further.
Reed called out to her. "I thought you should know that I've made progress on the Petals case."
"That's great," Alanna called out, without turning her head and without any enthusiasm.
She left the office as quickly as she could and soon arrived at Jared's place. Alanna found him sitting in the back garden reading a book.
"Hi," she said, dropping a kiss onto his head and then sliding onto his lap.
"Hey," he said, closing the book and setting it aside on the wide armrest of the chair. "Get everything done?"
"Yes, I was distraction-free until Reed turned up as I was heading out the door. Why do I let that man get under my skin?"
"What did he do now?" Jared asked. "I'd punch him again, but he'd have to come over here for me to do it."
Alanna didn't want to laugh at his little joke, but her lips betrayed her and turned up in a small smile. She told him about her brief encounter with Reed and finished with, "I wonder if he'll really do it. If he'll get Petals to close."
"If he does, I won't have a place to hold my bachelor party," Jared said in mock seriousness.
"Ha ha, very funny," Alanna said.
"Maybe if the mess I'm in ever gets sorted out, we can actually set a date."
"It will get sorted out, and if the unthinkable happens, then I will marry you at Azkaban or wherever you might be."
"I wouldn't want that for you."
"Too bad. You're stuck with me, Jared Wynbourne," Alanna said, leaning into him and burying her head into his neck. "Now and forever."
Part 1 Of A Rita Skeeter Article
Author: Saffron
Date: 07-21-13 15:51
Sasafrass Blackthorn tosses the Saturday copy of the Daily Prophet onto the kitchen table. "It's really not that bad."
"Not that bad? It's horrid!" Saffron contradicts.
"It's very old news and not really even news at that; plus, it's incorrect and anyone who bothered looking up the records would know that."
"I have the feeling a number of Rita Skeeter's avid believers are going to be about as bothered with looking up facts as she is."
"What does Aaron say about the article?"
"He's not said much yet but I don't he's not pleased. We both think the promised part two running tomorrow will be about him. Beyond that, we've not had time to really talk. The last apparition lesson is going on right now and as Hufflepuff Head of House he felt he needed to be there."
Sassy tops off her cup of tea, making a gesture mutely asking if Saffron wants more. "I'm fine, thanks," she responds, reaching for the paper to look at the article for probably the twentieth time this morning. Rapping the paper with one hand Saffron says hotly, "She out and out states I was a bigamist. Why would she do that?"
"Because she's Rita Skeeter. Have you heard from Da?"
"There's probably an owl waiting for me at Hogwarts."
"If there is and he doesn't get a reply soon, he'll try here, you do realize."
"I know. I'm sorry."
Saffy gives a short, somewhat harsh laugh. "Don't be sorry. It's not your fault Skeeter pulled Da's name into it."
According to Rita Skeeter, The force of famed chef and restraunteur Lohengrin Porter's celebrity combined with Porter's and Miller's money bought silence, any bigamy charges against Sacheverelle vanishing from official records in both Britian and France.
"She pulled two Ministries of Magic into it as well. There will have to be a show made of inquiries," Saffron sighs, suddenly very tired.
The article also insinuates that while Aaron was in Community Q, one of the Smythe-Jones prisons, Saffron and first husband, Gauthier, the man she was supposedly still married to when she and Aaron wed, had an affair and that Niccola is Gauthier's child, not Aaron's.
There's the whole Dolores Umbridge disbelief that anyone has actual divination skills. Her thoughts on the matter, and specifically on Saffron, are covered by Rita. There's mention of Saffron now admitting not being able to do much divination wise but that this is due to a brain tumor she'd had is conveniently left out.
Saffron frowns the awful photograph of her that Skeeter found only Merlin knows where then pushes back from the table. "I should go speak to Da. Mind awfully if I leave the kids here?"
"Of course not. Mine love having them over. Speaking of the children, they've gotten overly quiet. I'll go check on them to see what mischief they're making."
Sassy and Saffron hug, with Saffron then going outside to disapparate for the first place she'll look for Da while Sassy exits the kitchen for the playroom to see what has her three and Saffron's two occupied to the point of near silence.
Relaxing
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 07-22-13 09:07
The lake glittered in the sunlight and drew students who had free time to its shores. Rowan and Beatrix were among those lounging by the water. They lay in the grass with their shoes off and a box of biscuits from Briar's Bakery between them.
"Do you ever wish that you hadn't gotten stuck in time?" Beatrix asked out of the blue.
"Sometimes," Rowan said, "but I really don't know any better. If life had gone on the way it was supposed to, then I would be old and might even have a family right now. Maybe my kids would be your classmates, instead of me."
"That's a weird thought," Beatrix admitted. "On the bright side, you would be finished with school and wouldn't have to worry about homework and exams."
"True enough," Rowan said with a laugh. "I guess my life could be worse right now. I'm alive, and Willow and my dad are alive." She trailed off, thinking about Ash. There had been no progress on the nesting doll currently at the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic.
"Will you go see your dad this summer?" Beatrix asked.
"As often as I can," Rowan replied. "I hope he doesn't have to stay in Azkaban long."
"Sometimes wizards get out early," Beatrix said encouragingly, but then her own face darkened when she added, "some who don't deserve it, too."
"Is your sister still getting harassed by that girl?" Rowan asked.
"I don't know. I just don't like the idea that someone who tried to murder Cornelia is walking around free. What if she tries to kill again? What if she's successful the next time?"
"Maybe she's rehabilitated," Rowan offered.
Beatrix shrugged. "I guess."
They heard footsteps, assuming them to belong to other students coming down to the lake to relax in the sun or in the shallow of the water, but when a shadow fell over them, they found Willow standing there clutching a letter in her hand.
"It's Ash," she exclaimed breathlessly. "He's back!"
(Kate) Last Lesson
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 07-22-13 11:05
After twelve long weeks, excluding the time off for the Easter holiday, the very last apparition lesson had arrived. Kate had worked hard during each lesson to learn the proper procedure for apparating, and though it had been a long road to get there, she had learned how to apparate successfully. She just hoped that she could do it perfectly during next weekend's apparition testing!
She had heard that even the slightest splinching, such as the loss of an eyelash, could result in the failure of the exam. Kate didn't want to be the one to miss out on earning her apparition license because she lost something as insignificant as an eyelash. Better she lose an entire arm, though she didn't want to do that either.
She paused to look around the room at her classmates. Most everyone could apparate without problems now, though every once in a while, somebody slipped up and disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke while the professors monitoring the lessons made things right again.
Kate's gaze fell on Mark, who disappeared with a loud pop and reappeared seconds later in a hoop a few feet away from where he'd been standing. He turned and met Kate's eyes. They shared a quick smile and then resumed concentrating on practicing apparating.
In the background, Wilkie Twycross continued his mantra of the three Ds. Nobody seemed to hear him, however, except perhaps the professors who weren't as deep in concentration as the students.
If Kate wasn't thinking about appariting, then she was thinking about Tessa, though she kept thoughts of her half-sister minimal during the lesson. There still hadn't been any word from their mother and likely wouldn't be, until the next magical child she didn't want manifested itself.
Tessa seemed to have accepted her fate, though she still hadn't adjusted to her new life as a witch in a magical household and with a new family at that. Kate looked forward to spending time with her this summer, but summer was still a month and a half away.
Unwelcome Guest
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 07-22-13 14:05
The loud beating at his door woke Lysander from a dream he'd been having, in which Aralyn and Kristos Fox were on trial for a myriad of crimes. It had been a good dream, because it meant that Lysander and Charlotte could be together again.
Somewhat put out by the interruption at his door, Lysander padded through his flat to see what all the fuss was about. He wore black cotton pajama bottoms and had a terrible case of bed head.
"What?" he asked sharply upon opening the door.
A hunched figure burst into the flat, leaving Lysander dumbfounded for a moment. When he recovered his wits, which was difficult on account of the sluggishness he felt since he wasn't very awake at the moment, he searched for his wand, only to realize he'd left it at his bedside table.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Lysander asked, holding up his hands to show he was unarmed.
"Close the door," rasped the hunched figure, whose head was covered by a shroud.
Lysander hesitated and then reluctantly did as told.
The figure laughed, the voice no longer belonging to a decrepid, grizzled witch or wizard (Lysander had been unable to tell the gender of his unwelcome guest). The laughter was young and melodious and very familiar.
"Adriana," Lysander said, relaxing only a small amount. "What are you doing here? Isn't this risky, visiting me here?"
Adriana rose to her full height and removed the shroud covering her face. With it gone, her hair changed from gray and ratty to chestnut, shiny and smooth. The wrinkles and warts on her face evaporated.
"Neat, huh? Unfortunately, it doesn't have a long shelf life, but it got me here, didn't it?"
"You haven't answered my questions," Lysander said. "Why are you in my home? What do you want?"
"Jesus, Lysander. Calm down. You're acting like a SWAT team is going to come through your door at any minute."
Lysander had no idea what a SWAT team was and didn't care. "Adriana…"
She rolled her eyes and made herself comfortable at the kitchen table. "I thought we could talk about the project."
"Right," Lysander said, expelling a sigh. "The project. The one that is going nowhere."
"No luck whatsoever, then?" she asked.
Lysander stared at her for a long moment and then walked over to the cabinet where he kept a few cookbooks. He'd stashed his notes on the Resurrection Stone there. He carried the parchments to the table and handed them to her.
"I've found references to stones by other names, which may or may not be the stone in question," he said, turning to the stove to put on some tea. "Stories change over the centuries and in different cultures."
"Right," Adriana said, reviewing the documents he had given her. "Adder Stone, toadstone… Kaustubha… the London Stone, Lia Fáil, the Whestone of Tudwal Tudglyd… the Stone of Destiny…" She looked up at Lysander. "Have you ruled any out, or better yet, determined any that might fit the profile of the stone we are looking for?"
"This one here, Baetylus, is the most promising, as it is supposed to be endowed with life, but to be perfectly honest with you, I'm not convinced it's what we want," Lysander said, having returned to the table to show Adriana the information on that stone in particular.
"Still, it might be worth checking out," she said.
"Why do you want it so badly?" Lysander asked. "If you bring him back, you won't be the one they follow anymore."
"I never meant to be in charge forever," she answered. "I'm just the placeholder until the rightful leader returns."
"None of it will work," Lysander said.
"It will," Adriana countered.
The whistle of the teapot bit back Lysander's retort. He tended to it and returned to the table a moment later with two cups of tea.
The pair sat in silence for a long moment.
"Let's say it does work," Lysander finally began, "what if he casts you aside? What if he decides you've gotten too powerful on your own and dislikes the fact that you overshadow even his greatness? What then, Adriana?"
"He won't do that to me."
"How do you know? He might eliminate you altogether."
"Do you want me to give up on the search? Are you afraid of what will happen if Chyler were to return to you?"
"No, I'm not afraid," Lysander said.
"Then trust me when I say that finding and using the stone are the right things to do," Adriana replied. "Why aren't you working this morning?"
The sudden change in topic took Lysander by surprise. "Julian is opening today. I'm closing."
"So you were sleeping?" Adriana asked, eyeing his bare chest and tousled hair.
"Yes."
"Sorry for the wake-up call then." She didn't look very sorry, though.
Lysander got up to add some milk to his tea. "Is there anything else, Adriana?"
"No, I think I've found out all I need to know," she said. "Mind if I stick around until I've finished my tea, or are you in a hurry to throw me out?"
"You can stay," Lysander said, "but maybe next time you can summon me to your neck of the woods rather than visit me in mine."
"I would, but I don't think you want to be that involved, Lysander," she replied, lazily stirring her spoon around her cup. "The more you know, the more risky things are for you. Or did you want to join up in earnest, Lysander? I would love to give you the Mark."
When Lysander took too long to reply, she answered her own question. "No, there's your daughter to consider. I promised you I would fix things for helping me find the stone. I will help you, you know, even if the stone proves entirely elusive. We're friends, aren't we? Friends help each other."
Lysander turned to look at Adriana. He saw them as children playing together. That had been a very long time ago.
"Can you get my daughter back today?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Adriana finished her tea and got up. "Lysander, keep looking for the stone. I'll be in touch."
She threw on the shroud again and bent over, hobbling to the door. She let herself out and closed the door behind her.
With a sigh, Lysander looked at the parchment strewn across the kitchen table. Maybe he had time to do some research before work.
Trying To Concentrate (Catriona)
Author: Fionna
Date: 07-22-13 17:35
Resetting her hoop, Catriona can't help but wish this last of the apparition lessons were over. While it's good to have the extra practice, having to listen to Professor Twycross saying the same thing over and over is beyond tiresome. At this stage why can't he just be mostly silent, giving the three Ds reminder only from time to time.
Resetting her hoop, Cat sort of wishes she'd thought of wearing ear plugs to the lessons once she began having more successes than failures. Glancing around at the others, mainly sixth years but a few fifth years a class behind due to being at Happy Haven, and wonders if any of them thought of ear plugs or a ear plugging spell. Her eyes stop on Polly Potts, one of the ones delayed a year because of the segregation of those not deemed pureblooded. Polly is still playing a broad field though she seems to have slowed somewhat. Cat isn't sure if that's because Polly's run through most of the available boys at Hogwarts their age or if she's getting tired of it all. Cat hopes it's the latter and that in time they can repair their friendship.
Cat's eyes go next to Aleydis Vanderbilt. She wonders how Aleydis feels about having to wait a few months before being able to take the apparition licensing exam, with much of that time spent here at Hogwarts where she'd be unable to practice. The licensing exam next week is only for those like Cat who have already turned 17. She doesn't think she'd much like having to wait with little chance of practicing in between.
Realizing she's delayed in the current apparition attempt, she quickly focuses on her hoop and temporarily clears her mind of all thoughts other than being in the center of that hoop. Appearing in the hoop, if a bit off center, Cat lets out a sigh of relief that she didn't end up splinching that time. Depending on what gets splinched it can be very painful.
Her hoop is slightly off point again so Cat gets it aligned once again then joins the others returning to their starting positions. As she makes the short trek, she wonders if Christopher is studying for NEWTs as he said he probably would or if he'd gone back to bed, which he said at breakfast sounded more than a little tempting. When the lesson is over she'll check the Commons and the library. If he's not there she'll go to Ravenclaw House and see if he's in the common room there or if he's snugged in bed. She can't blame him for wanting the extra sleep but with lunchtime not all that far off, he should be up by now.
Cat pauses her thoughts to again focus on her hoop and willing herself from where she is to being where the hoop is. That done and the hoop back as it should be, she returns to her starting position, wondering how awful Hogwarts will be without Christopher's company in the next school year. Hopefully between her friends still at school and being swamped with a full load of NEWT level classes along with studying for the NEWTs themselves, the year won't be as lonely without him as she imagines and won't drag by.
Professor Twycross's voice grates as she tries to block him out while trying not to let her thoughts keep wandering so much when she really needs to just concentrate and get through what remains of this last lesson.
(Anton) Rumour Mill
Author: Phyllida
Date: 07-23-13 17:11
Anton Avery was sunk into a deep leather chair, with a stained, leather-bound library book held high to obscure his surly face. Merope made repeated attempts to launch her small, velvety form to his lap, but the boy was too ill-tempered to tolerate it. Finally, the feline understood that she was being slighted, and moved off grudgingly towards the two girls sharing a love-seat nearby.
Another boy, pale, with messy dark hair, approached Anton cautiously, sliding a pair of dark glasses up his nose. "Is...it true? Did your dad really run off with a Muggle woman?"
Anton slammed the book against the arm of the chair. "What do you think, Titus?"
"I...I don't know." Titus Nott wiped his nervous palms on his vest, and looked towards the girls for support.
"Given the number of students who have recently discovered half-siblings," Petula said, refraining from rolling her eyes though Valeria did not bother to restrain herself, "I'm sure some wouldn't be surprised, but you know it's a load of codswallop."
Valeria agreed, one hand sliding over Merope's silvery fur as the kitten landed in her lap. "Anton, we all know this is another attempt by that idiot of a Ravenclaw to get back at you for that hex. I wonder if the Sorting Hat was having a bad day? He's got the brains of a Gryffindor if he thinks anyone would believe that your father would stoop so low."
"All this talk of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws makes me feel ill," replied Anton, putting his book down, rubbing his temples. "I've have a ghastly headache since we lost our only chance for the House Cup."
"There's always next year," Titus offered, hopefully.
"Not while Marks is Seeker," Valeria offered, getting to her feet as Merope made herself comfortable on Petula's lap. "We didn't even bother going, she'll only find the snitch if we stamped some Muggle designer's name on it." The older girl's recent change in attitude had done not impressed Valeria or Petula, though the brunt of their wrath had been focused on the Ravenclaws.
In a surprisingly gentle move, one most might think out of character, Valeria perched on the arm of Anton's chair and slid her own fingers over his temples, rubbing gently. "Don't let the plebeians get to you, they aren't worth it," she said quietly.
The young Avery was startled a little by her touch, but her fingers felt cool and reassuring against his skin. He shot her a grateful glance; though ordinarily, such close contact with a girl might have embarrassed him in the crowded common room, it seemed that everyone else faded away the moment their gazes met. "Thanks, Val."
She acknowledged his thanks with a nod. It was unusual for her to offer physical reassurance, but Anton was a friend, and she knew how it felt to have your parents bandied about in rumor and innuendo, that's what had led to the duel their first night in the castle. "I'll make my next hex extra-painful," she said more quietly, hoping that would appeal to his malicious good humor.
From the nearby loveseat, Petula glanced around the Common Room, as if daring any of the few students about to say anything. While not as quick with her wand as either Anton or Valeria but she knew her fair share of nasty spells and would not hesitate if she thought it necessary.
Sighing, Anton removed her hand gently. Their eyes met again. He didn't want everyone to get the wrong idea about them; one rumour was quite enough to handle for the time being. He slid the book on his lap open again, and listlessly read over the same line a few times, though his thoughts were elsewhere.
Valeria resumed her spot next to Petula and picked up her Transfiguration book, idly twirling her wand in one hand, just in case.
"I think this ill turn deserves another, don't you think?" Anton broached suddenly, his eyes dark with malice.
Valeria looked over, a wicked smirk curling her lips. "Absolutely," she practically purred before glancing to Petula.
"Silly little boy crossed a line," the brunette agreed. "It's time he learned there are some things you don't ever say." It was rare to hear that level of malice in even Petula's tone, but she knew the pride that came with being from an old pureblood family. It wasn't something to mess with.
Unexpected Encounter (Max Black)
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 07-23-13 18:25
Emerging from the relative gloom that always seems to pervade Knockturn Alley in comparison to Diagon Alley, Max Black pauses at the corner of Scribbulus Writing Implements where the two lanes meet. Starting to get a little hungry, he goes over the dining options, finally deciding on Brews & Stews. Turning to walk past Scribbulus Writing Implements he pauses once more, this time because Furnella Hodfuffer is walking his direction, though she's not seen him yet.
Max has to quickly decide whether to avoid her somehow or make a point of stopping Furnella to speak with her. It's been weeks. He amends that. Months. In that time he's not owled or attempted any fire chats. He can't continuing showing interest in her if he's not going to express that interest when not actually in her presence.
He decides to go for the avoidance but was too slow in reaching that decision. Furnella has spotted him and is now coming straight for him. To avoid her now would be a direct snub he'd never be able to explain away short of Obliviating her. Reminding himself that his balls are not away on holiday, he puts a smile on his face and has a greeting ready on his lips.
"Max. Hello. I thought that was you."
Max steps in to give her a quick hug. "Good to see you, Furnella. They let you away from the restaurant this time of day do they?"
She gives a short, light laugh. "I've worked the last seven weekends, all day most of that time so I was overdue." She turns serious and swats at his arm. "I'm insulted that you vanished on me again without so much as a single letter in all this time."
"I know. I'm sorry. I've always been horrible about writing and when involved in a massive project, I also tend to lose all track of time. I've been getting a new office and warehouse organized and opened as part of a business expansion."
"More import-export?"
"Yes, a location in southern California, near their border with Mexico. I had thought it would take a short time but when I arrived, the overseer we'd hired had made a total mess of things. I ended up firing him and having to pretty much start over from scratch."
"I'd love to hear your tale of woe and the turn around success I'm sure you've made of it but I've got one more errand then I'm meeting my son for lunch."
"Let's do dinner some night soon. I'll owl - I promise I will - and we can decide when and where."
"I'll hold you to that promise or I really will be insulted."
Another brief hug and Furnella continues on. Max watches her for a moment, wondering what she'd think of him if she knew the biggest money makers in his import-export business. Turning to walk on to Brews & Stews, he's certain that Furnella Hodfuffer would not approve of anyone involved in the dark arts trade.
Misfits
Author: Finley
Date: 07-23-13 18:47
The red kickball rolled against her feet, as if inviting her to play in the game. The girl had no intention of joining the other children, however, and remained with her back against the cool brick wall of the playground.
"Finley, over here!" shouted a boy named Leroy. He was chubby and red-faced, especially from exerting himself during the game. Everyone made fun of Leroy because he was the ugliest boy at Winchcombe Children's Home. Despite his unfortunate appearance, he was the closest thing to a friend Finley had.
She kicked the ball to him but remained against the wall.
"Come on, Finley. Won't you play with us?" Leroy asked, scooping up the kickball. He walked over to Finley, much to the protestations of the other children in the game.
"No, thanks," Finley replied. "You better go back to them, though I don't know why you even want to play with them when all they do is talk badly about you."
"I don't care what they say," Leroy replied, shrugging his ample shoulders. "I just want to play kickball."
"Hey Leroy!" shouted the girl with the worst temperament at the orphanage. Her name was Charla and she wore her hair in two poofy pigtails. "You're wasting your breath on that freak! She doesn't want to be your girlfriend because you're too ugly!"
"Ignore her," Leroy said to Finley. "You know why nobody ever adopted her. Nobody wants a kid with a bad attitude, just like nobody wants an ugly baby," he added very matter-of-factly, as if the fact that nobody wanted him because of his looks had no effect on him whatsoever.
"Just like nobody wants a freak?" Finley asked.
"You're not a freak, Finley. I'm sure there's a scientific explanation for why weird things happen when you're around, or maybe you're a superhero and you don't know it. Have you ever been bitten by a spider or touched radioactive ooze?"
"Leroy! Give us the ball!" Charla shouted.
"Leroy, you better go," Finley said. "The mob is getting restless."
"Fine, but I think you should play with us." Leroy turned to rejoin the other children.
Finley folded her arms over her chest and watched her friend attempt to keep up with the others. They hardly ever kicked the ball to him. He wasn't very good at the game, anyway.
Her attention was drawn away from the game when the proprietress of the orphanage, Mrs. Gill, emerged from the house with another woman. The newcomer was elderly and wore her hair in a severe bun. She had on a velvet dress that seemed far too heavy for the weather and fixed her eyes on Finley through square spectacles.
For a moment, Finley wondered if the old woman had come to adopt her. She had lived at the orphanage all her life and had thought she would remain there always. Finley had just made her eleventh year.
"This is Finley Pride," Mrs. Gill said, after she and the older woman reached the girl standing at the wall.
"Finley, this nice woman would like to speak with you."
"Okay," Finley said. She wondered why someone as old as this woman appeared to be would want to adopt a child. Maybe she didn't have any children or grandchildren of her own and felt as if she had missed out on one of life's greatest joys. Maybe she needed someone young around the house to help keep things in order. Or maybe she hadn't come to adopt Finley at all. But then what did she want?
Little did she know that what the old woman had to say would change Finley's life forever.