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(Etana Kohen) Plans for the Weekend
Author: Rylee
Date: 03-30-14 08:39
"Do you have anything else you want to do?" Nicholette asked as she dropped down into the chair next to Etana, depositing her shopping bags upon the ground at her feet.
"I don't think so. I'm about ready to go home truth be told. I've got some homework to get done so I can actually enjoy the weekend." Etana said with a light grin.
"Oh, what plans do you have this weekend?" Nicholette inquired, running a hand through her hair as she looked over the menu the waiter had placed before her.
"I'm going to be spending the weekend with Caroline Harper, she's supposed to be starting at Hogwarts in the fall as well. She and I have become good friends, and have had the same tutors and often do our studies together."
"Very cool, what are you guys going to be doing?"
"There is a concert tomorrow night that we are going to, I think she said it was The Broomstick Boys, but I could be wrong. Tonight, I think her sister Danielle is going to take us into London for a theatre performance, a muggle style one. It sounds like it will be fun, an it is all things that I've never done before."
Etana grinned, and sighed, running a hand through her blonde hair, quickly working it into a braid that hung over her shoulder. "I'm also looking forward to heading to Hogwarts in the Fall, but I also am not looking forward to losing some of the freedom I have to go out and actually spend time with friends."
"I know what you mean. I've gotta head back to in a couple of days and probably will only be home for a couple of weeks between now and the end of the semester."
Both girls ordered lunch and talked about the rest of their plans for the weekend. When they were done eating lunch and opted to shop for a few minutes longer, before they ultimately headed home and Etana got ready to meet up with her friend.
(Raz Kohen) Finding Motivation
Author: Rylee
Date: 03-30-14 08:53
Charms essay, complete.
History of Magic assignment, complete.
Potions assignment, complete.
DADA assignment, half way complete.
Star chart, not started.
Herbology essay, not yet started.
Arithmancy & Divination essay, outlined.
Transfiguration assignment, re-write in process.
Charms essay, complete.
Raz looked over his to-do list for the weekend and sighed. This term for some reason, he couldn't focus and already was fearing that his marks were slipping in some of his classes and he couldn't figure out why. He'd never had this sort of problem before, he'd always been at the top of his class and yet now he was struggling to keep up with his assignments.
"I need to get my act together, I've never had this problem before and I need to get my assignments done." Raz said to himself.
The Great Hall wasn't yet open for lunch, due to the Apparation lessons that were being held, and he really wasn't all that hungry yet - so he was just using the thought of going to get something to eat as a distraction from getting his assignments done. As it was the common room was not overly populated, and ultimately he could actually use the peace and quiet to focus - and actually do something productive.
Pushing himself up from the chair he headed up to his room and grabbed those assignments that needed his attention. He also remembered that he needed to post a letter to Etana, he'd not written her in a few days and he'd forgotten to reply to her last post. That, would get done after at least two assignments were complete - and he would post it when he headed down to the great hall for lunch.
Astronomy's star chart assignment came first, and then he finished the re-write of his Transfiguration assignment, before turning his attention to finishing his DADA assignment before finally writing a letter to Etana. The rest would be finished after he grabbed lunch and a shower.
Early Saturday Morning
Author: Rylee
Date: 03-30-14 09:05
Up before the sun, I found myself going for a run on the grounds. Needing to spend some time for myself, before I had to get into my uniform for the Quidditch match against Ravenclaw. I was eager for the match to begin, and hoping that this match would be as successful as last had been, meaning that Slytherin came out on top.
I had written to Nicholette to see if she was coming to the match today, and she said she'd try and be there but she wasn't sure if she'd have time between dealing with her own to-do list and getting ready to head back to school on Monday. Raz would be at the match most likely, but he would be supporting Ravenclaw (though I knew he would probably be cheering me on as well).
My run had finished, I decided to spend sometime doing a bit of weight training in the F&A room, before grabbing a shower and something to eat for breakfast before they closed off the Great Hall for the apparation lessons being held today for those who were old enough and could afford the cost.
After my workout, shower and breakfast I returned a few books to the library and ultimately sat in a quiet alcove thumbing through a book that I'd selected just for relaxation reading until it was ultimately time to head back out into the cold to the pitch for the Quidditch match.
(Ash) First Apparition Lesson
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 03-30-14 10:19
Ash stood in the Great Hall with all the other students enrolled in the apparition lessons and listened as Professor Wilkie Twycross introduced himself and went over the basics of apparating. There had been some uncertainty as to whether or not Ash was eligible to take the course. In calendar years, he ought to be forty-three, very nearly forty-four years old. In body, he was somewhere around 16, based on his age when he disappeared all those years ago and the date of his return. His next birthday, his seventeenth by some calculations, was a mere ten days away. If going by his year of birth, then he was certainly eligible to enroll in the apparition lessons. If going by his surmised age, then he probably was too.
At any rate, he applied to take the course, sent in his dues, and was not turned away from the lesson.
Wilkie Twycross liked to talk, that much was clear. He went into great detail describing his position as Apparition Instructor for the Ministry of Magic, the department for which he worked, and the inner-workings of apparition. He droned on at length before demonstrating apparition for the class, which was only possible because the anti-apparition spell that normally surrounded the entire castle had been lifted in the Great Hall for the purpose of the lesson.
Professor Twycross disappeared from his position at the front of the room and reappeared seconds later near the Great Hall's doors. Then he vanished again and reappeared at the front of the room.
"That, my dear children, is apparition. To apparate successfully, one must practice the three Ds, which are: Destination, Determination, and Deliberation. Everybody say it with me: Destination, Determination, and Deliberation."
Ash mumbled the words with the rest of the class.
"Good!" Twycross exclaimed, and he went on to define the three Ds. Ash learned that one must concentrate on his destination, be determined to get there, and move with deliberation. It was common sense, though explained in a convoluted manner.
"Should one not follow the three Ds to the letter," the professor went on, "then one might splinch themselves. Splinching is very nasty business."
He described some instances of splinching, from the most simple to the quite gruesome, which drew both gasps and exclamations of "Wicked!" from the collected students.
Twycross continued to talk, leaving Ash wondering if they would ever get the chance to practice in this first lesson, or if today would simple consist of lecturing and the real practice would start next weekend.
Late Breakfast
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 03-30-14 12:35
Drizella Ratcliffe's cheeks were finally gaining some color. The sixth year Slytherin girl had been so afraid of splinching, that when the first student has done so (the Ravenclaw Rusty Zabowski), she let go a terrifying squeak and passed out. Celeste, who had been one of the professors assigned to assist Wilkie Twycross during his lesson, escorted Drizella to the Hospital Wing. One of Drizella's friends had previously told the Astronomy professor that the girl had been so nervous about her first apparition lesson that she wasn't able to eat anything at breakfast.
Now Drizella had in front of her a plate with sausages and scrambled eggs and a cup with pumpkin juice, that Madam Pomfrey had summoned from the kitchens. Celeste decided to keep company to the girl to make sure she finished her meal, before returning to the Great Hall. As her stomach started to fill up Drizella became quite talkative.
"I didn't want to make a fool myself and be the first to splinch. People would be talking about me later. Now it's even worse: I'm the girl who passed out when she saw Zabowski's arm separated from the rest of his body."
"I would not be so sure of that, Miss Radcliffe. Once your colleagues leave the Great Hall's double doors the only thing they will be talking about is Quidditch."
"Are you sure?" she asked with begging eyes.
Celeste nodded. She carried a small brooch in her robes with the Slytherin serpent. She was not one of going to the Quidditch pitch with her house's scarf around her neck, but she insisted on wearing a little token to show her support to Slytherin. Today was going to be a very interesting match because both Ravenclaw and Slytherin had won their last matches. The house who reached to victory today would have a higher chance to go to the championship match.
"I hope we win," Drizella confessed. Of course that by 'we' she meant the Slytherin house. "They say that Bran Hyland is very good. I just hope Rylee Marks will be able to handle him and catch the snitch first."
Celeste couldn't agree more. Drizella finished her breakfast, obviously feeling less nervous now. She thanked the Astronomy Professor and to Madam Pomfrey as well and expressed her wishes to go back to the Great Hall and continue with her apparition class. With luck it hasn't ended yet. Celeste mentally applauded her student's attitude and she personally escorted Drizella downstairs.
(Adriana) Updates and Suggestions
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 03-30-14 14:50
Adriana entered The Old Crown and made her way to the small table occupied by Christina Sorcha, who sipped from a steaming cup of coffee and looked over the breakfast fare on the menu. She looked up when Adriana sat down across from her and then lowered her menu to the grainy surface of the table.
Sorcha got right down to business. "Wycomb secured a court date for Monday morning regarding the release of Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle from Azkaban. He's going to spin it that they were just kids coerced into following the orders of their parents', never mind the fact that they were actually legal adults when they fought on HIS side underneath Hogsmeade way back when."
"Great," Adriana said. She paused to give her drink order to the friendly waitress who approached their cozy table. While Adriana waited for the woman to move out of earshot, she thought about Crabbe and Goyle, remembering both from her first stint as a teacher at Hogwarts, though neither had taken her Muggle Studies class.
She remembered them as being followers rather than leaders, which would serve her well if Wycomb was indeed successful in getting them out of prison. Unfortunately, she also recalled them being a little dim-witted. That could pose a problem. Still, it had been years since she had seen either boy, and perhaps they had grown into the sort of men she wanted in her entourage.
"I still haven't found anything about where he's buried," Sorcha said, after a long moment of silence.
"Is that because you haven't been looking, there's too much information to comb through, or because it's not in his record?" Adriana asked. She asked it very neutrally, despite how irritated she felt at still having no resolution on the subject.
"It's like I told you before," Sorcha said, careful to keep her own tone calm, "I don't always get the chance to get into his file, and it is pretty thick."
"Maybe it's time you steal it instead of spending what time you can reading through every parchment," Adriana suggested. The waitress came back with her coffee and took their breakfast orders.
"Is it charmed, do you think?" Adriana asked, after the waitress had walked away again. "I mean, I know you can touch it without setting off alarms, but what do you think would happen if you tried to walk out with it?"
Sorcha remained silent. Having stolen her own file from the Records Division in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, she knew that it could be done, unless certain files were protected while others weren't. In the grand scheme of things, how important was it to keep her own file under lock and key?
She thought about all the terrible things she'd done and the spell Voldemort had cast to render her his servant. Put that in the wrong hands, and there was sure to be trouble. Maybe she had been able to take her file because it had been about her? She supposed there was no way to test it, unless she convinced that ponce Reed Wycomb to do it for her. Hmm…
"You're awfully quiet, Christina. Is there something you want to tell me?"
Sorcha shook her head. "I'll get you that file."
"Great. Do that for me, and maybe I'll let Ivanova take you for a visit to see your boy."
Sorcha bobbed her head in understanding. It had been too long since she had seen Theodore, far too long.
Preparing For An Outing
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 03-30-14 15:39
Ginny holds up an outfit in each hand. "The blue or the brown?"
"Either's fine. It's just a Quidditch match."
Ginny arches an eyebrow. "I want people to know I'm not fat, I just had a baby. I think the blue is better for that. The brown can make me look chunky."
"You'll be bundled up so does it, " at his wife's expression Harry lets the, "really matter?," fall from his lips. He gives studious attention to Jamie and the collage he's creating on his high chair tray with mashed fruit. Picking up a dollop of banana Harry offers it to the toddler.
Toddler.
Harry shakes his head at the thought. James Sirius Potter turned one towards the end of November. He's an expert crawler and based on the way he tries to climb, he'll probably scale Everest by the time he's two. Jamie likes walking and thanks for a few strategically placed charms, things like the corns and edges of the coffee table do not hurt when he loses his balance.
By the time Harry has determined Jamie has eaten all he's going to eat and is now strictly playing, Ginny has emerged from the back of the house wearing the blue outfit. Jamie gives her a fruity grin as Harry takes him out of the high chair to get him cleaned up then bundled up as he's going to the Quidditch match with them.
A few minutes later they are ready to go, Ginny holding the carrier with the newest family member. "Mum said if we decide it's too much for either of them to bring them over but unless Jamie gets cranky, we should be fine."
Harry nods in agreement. With the way both boys are bundled and warming charms, the cold won't be an issue. If Jamie stays enchanted and entertained by the fast moving players and balls, and all the people they'll be around, he'll stay engaged until nodding off without thinking to fuss about getting sleepy.
The baby, born the 7th of January, is going on his first official outing today. A couple of Ginny's and Harry's friends are shocked they are taking him to something like a Quidditch match when he's not even a full month old, but they are the type of think a baby should be hidden away for months and any contact with others is only if those others are wearing masks and gloves.
Albus Neville Potter is just is bright eyed at the moment. He is generally a happy baby, only crying if hungry or in need of a new nappy. Like his older brother, there is no doubt he will fall asleep at some point during the match.
Harry is technically working the match, having volunteered to be one of those keeping a watch for any trouble. Though their house team, Gryffindor, isn't playing today, Ginny decided it would be fun to go along. Despite knowing Harry would have to get up from time to time to make rounds, she suggested taking the boys. As they neither one can get used to juggling their children on any sort of outing, either alone or together, unless they take outings, Harry saw no reason to argue.
Harry with Jamie and the nappy bag and Ginny with Albus, do one more check to make sure they have everything then apparate to Hogsmeade. The match doesn't begin for a little while yet so they are dropping by to see a few people before continuing on to Hogwarts.
Running Late
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 03-30-14 16:13
Pulling on her favorite pair of boots, Bronwyn glanced over at the small clock on the corner of her dresser and saw that she was already running late. The Falmouth Falcons had an early match against the Montrose Magpies, and Bronwyn had not only intended on being there for tipoff but had invited Tessa along, who had never been to a professional Quidditch match.
Bronwyn quickly zipped up her boots, got up to grab her coat from the magical wardrobe Desi had given her, and then reached for her purse and wand. She went into the living room and headed straight for the fireplace, where she collected a handful of floo powder from the tin on the mantel, threw it into the flames which roared green, and then stepped inside, calling out, "Will Dewhurst residence!"
A short while later, she tumbled into her uncle's living room and did a quick check for soot on her clothes. She had made the poor choice of wearing a cream-colored sweater and a light brown suede coat. Frowning, she dusted herself off and used her wand to get out the tough spots.
Will poked his head out from the kitchen and said, "There you are. We were wondering if you'd forgotten…"
"No, no," Bronwyn said, smiling apologetically and ceasing her cleaning. "I just got a bit of a late start. Is Tessa ready?"
Will grinned. "I know you two aren't actually blood relations, but I think she takes after you. She changed her clothes three times already this morning." He turned his head and called out, "Tessa! Bronwyn is here."
"Okay!" came Tessa's yelled response.
A few moments later Tessa appeared looking super cute in a pair of jeans, a sweater, and ankle boots. She had her hair in a long plait that fell over one of her shoulders.
"Hi, Bronwyn," she greeted.
"Hi, Tessa. Ready to go?"
"Yes, I'm ready."
Bronwyn held out her arm. "Hang on tight. We're going to apparate there."
After a short while, they appeared outside Nimbus Arena in Scotland, where the match between the Falcolns and Magpies was already underway. Bronwyn showed the pair of tickets she had at the gate and asked Tessa if she wanted any snacks before they made the climb into the stands. Tessa wasn't hungry yet, so they found the nearest staircase and headed up.
The din was noisy, even within the confines of the stairwell. When they reached the top, they were blasted with cheers and screams, as well as the howling wind. Bronwyn scanned the seats for spaces wide enough for two petite people, when an old newspaper blew straight into her face.
Bronwyn pulled it free and glanced down at it in disgust, but then she noticed the photograph on the page and realized she was looking at one of the articles that came out after Kristos Fox was discovered murdered by his own sister. The news had shocked Bronwyn when she had first heard of it. His controlling, pushy nature had led to their breakup all those years ago, and other than when they met the few times they had memory studies scheduled at St. Mungo's on the same day, Bronwyn had hardly given Kristos any thought. She felt just awful about his death, though.
She sighed, giving the moving image of him a final glance, and then balled up the newspaper page, discarding it in the rubbish bin on the landing.
Tessa tugged on her arm. "There!" she shouted, pointing to a pair of seats in the highest row.
Bronwyn nodded and followed the eleven year old to the back row, where they sat and cheered on Toby and the Falmouth Falcons.
Present in Body
Author: Jolyon
Date: 03-31-14 09:11
Professor Flitwick had not wanted to miss the very first apparition lesson of the school year, but it could not be helped. His literary agent, who had been out of the country for an extended period of time and whose Saturday was booked solid, could only meet Filius during the morning hours. Hence, Professor Kent found himself monitoring the apparition lessons.
Already, there had been some excitement. One student had splinched himself right awfully, resulting in another student passing out at the sight. For those who had never seen a splinching before, especially one as severe as Rusty's had been, it was quite shocking. After the incident, everyone seemed to proceed with more caution rather than give apparating a go with wild abandon.
Jolyon leaned against the wall and observed the proceedings pensively. He watched students stare intently at their hoops, lean forward, and then either stay put or nearly lose their balance. It might have been a little comical, if he hadn't been distracted by the news Arielle had given him over breakfast only a short while ago.
He had been seated at the High Table discussing with Hagrid the upcoming Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Hagrid had wanted to know which house he would support, Ravenclaw, Jolyon's own, or Slytherin, the house to which Asher belonged. Jolyon fully intended on supporting both, especially with Asher being on the Quidditch team. Too bad Asher wouldn't appreciate his efforts.
Arielle had come up after the owls came through delivery mail and parcels. She'd held in her hands a letter from her mother, which she gave Jolyon to read. In it, Merrie described how she had met a nice wizard and had already gone out on three dates with him. Three dates was Merrie's mininum for whether or not she would even mention a prospective suitor to her kids.
Arielle had lamented how she wished Jolyon would get back together with Merrie, a thought that had never even occurred to Jolyon. Now that the thought was there, he couldn't help but not think about it. It had been nice getting to know Merrie again… Who was this guy she was dating, anyway? Jolyon recognized the tell-tale signs of jealousy.
He pushed off the wall and started prowling the perimeter of the Great Hall. He didn't want anyone else to get splinched, but it would certainly serve as a distraction if somebody did.
Thank Merlin Hufflepuff Isn't Playing (Caerwyn)
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 03-31-14 18:28
Swiping his nose with a handkerchief Caerwyn locks his eye on the hoop that's identical to the ones each student taking the apparation lessons were given. As stuffed up as he is, making concentration hard, which in turn makes the whole deliberation and determination aspects difficult, Caerwyn is glad this is just the first lesson and that little, if anything, is expected of them.
He's also not even a tiny bit envious that someone splinched so early in this initial lesson. Though being able to send even a small speck or large chunk of the body from here to there might indicate progress in learning to apparate there's enough pain in his head and chest without adding to it.
Listening to Professor Twycross's droning monotone, Caerwyn and the others make another effort to get from their respective current positions to their respective hoops. As has happened in other attempts prior to this one, all that happens is Caerwyn has to set his hoop back in its original spot. Resuming his place in line, flanked by Gus Hodfuffer and Cody Sweet, Caerwyn once again wipes his nose. He'll never understand how he can be so stopped up he cannot breath yet his nose is streaming as steadily as a faucet left on.
Thank Merlin Hufflepuff is not in today's Quidditch match!
All this concentrating and expending energy trying to apparate is taking its toll on Caerwyn. They're only at about the halfway point in this lesson and he's ready to lie down and take a nap. At this rate he's not sure he'll be up to attending the match even though all he'd have to do is sit in the stands. Just the thought of climbing the stairs into the stands is exhausting. Caerwyn wonders if it would be worth the extra effort to walk to the hospital wing to see what Madam Pomfrey could give him, and then hope she wouldn't make him stay there. If he's going to take to a bed, he'd prefer his own in the Hufflepuff dorm. Better yet would be the one at home. Funny how he'd prefer that bed to the one here, even though he's here at Hogwarts more than home and the bed here is very comfortable.
Bed.
The idea of being able to lie down on his bed has Caerwyn eyelids feeling three times as heavy as they had been. He sighs somewhat raggedly. The rest of this lesson is going to seem like a week. Popping a lemon flavored cough drop into his mouth, more to soothe an increasingly sore throat, Caerwyn joins his classmates in trying yet again to go from here to there.
(Diarmad) Brotherly Banter
Author: Roisin Rae McCray
Date: 04-01-14 15:56
"It seems that we have a bit of a problem," Diarmad said, solemnly, as he paused before a window. He was not thrilled to see his brother after so long, living as a hermit, but in light of recent events and the continued feuding, he had no other option. Diarmad and Magnus had a stormy, unpredictable relationship. They slightly detested each other, and had no interest in joining sides, but if the time called they would attempt to swallow their pride.
Magnus gave a low chuckle as he entered the small room. He spoke softly, teasing at their separation, but calm and withdrawn. "We? You forget, brother, that I am no longer considered a Sinclair. How many years has it been since I was cast from our blood?"
Diarmad turned, perfectly poised and regal, and looked to his brother. The man before him was hardly recognizable, but Magnus had his father's look about him, and their kinship was undeniable. "You did kill a man." Diarmad replied.
"He threatened our family. No one threatens our family and deserves to live. I did what I had to, for Ailsa."
"But unfortunately it is no longer seen as that way, brother. There are other means for revenge, options without the immediate spilling of blood. Killing is quite the inconvenience."
"An inconvenience?" Magnus chuckled. "I think you confuse the act of killing with the law on killing, brother. What would you have wanted me to do? Should I have placed a slight curse on him to work its magic over him for many years? Or should I have done nothing?"
"You know I would have ruined the man myself if I had the opportunity." Diarmad spat, never afraid to hide his thoughts or intentions. But there were limits; there were always limits. If there wasn't a chance at being placed in a cell, let alone being caught, he would have likely wreaked his own revenge upon the man himself. "But not as you did, not by murder. You gave him a dishonourable death, Magnus."
"Honor? Why do you always speak about it? What does it mean? What makes an honourable man?" Magnus paused as he felt his frustration rise, continuing only when he regained control. "Why are you here, Diarmad?"
Diarmad reached into his pocket and presented his brother with a folded piece of paper, bearing the insignia of the McCrays and the badge of Ailbe. "As I said, we have a bit of a problem."
With a raised brow, Magnus opened it.
My dear friend,
Sweet Teri, being the curious archaeologist of us, has been chasing phantoms. Her active research has led her to a tragic accident, but she is well recovering under the watch of our associate, Mr. Wood.
I have kept my own time in the books I have, and those that you have given me. My inquiry concerns what has dumbfounded our ancestors for years. I have found something of interest, a code, or a key leading us to yet another question. I have reason to believe that the Snodgrasses have discovered the same.
We must discover whatever it is before the Snodgrass fools.
May you continue your search of knowledge with success,
Your friend,
Ailbe McCray
Magnus looked back to Diarmad and returned the letter. "Well, it seems we do have a problem. What do you plan for us to do? Shall we help Ailbe or solve this puzzle ourselves? It could bring so much to us."
Diarmad didn't respond; he tossed the letter into the fresh fire of the hearth and looked to his brother, a smile tugging upon his lips, his eyes twinkling as he removed his coat. Eventually he spoke. "I believe we have much to discuss." He took a seat at the table and inquired about having something to drink.
Working On A Paper
Author: Christopher Chant
Date: 04-01-14 19:24
Eyes closed, pinching the bridge of his nose Christopher exhales loudly. Never a coffee drinker until halfway through his first term at St. Emrys he now motions for his cup to be refilled. He's got a killer headache and wants nothing more than to sleep but this initial draft for a paper due Monday can't be put off. He's got to finish this soon then after a couple of read throughs to find any errors, he has to get the final version finished.
While it's true he's got a day and a half to go before Monday, Christopher does not want to be last minute working on this; plus, he's got other assignments for next week to work on. He also has no idea how long this headache will last. He's taken something for it but so far the headache hasn't diminished in the slightest. If anything, it's gotten worse. Drinking so much coffee may not help the headache but at least it's helping him stay awake.
He can't help wishing Catriona were sitting across the table from him, head down over her own coursework. His headache might be as bad as it is now but he and Cat would be together. That alone would make him feel better.
Rereading the sentence he's just written, Christopher makes a face. He flips through his research notes, finds what he's looking for, then after a quick read through crosses out the sentence and rewrites it.
Looking up when someone sits down in the very seat he'd just been wishing Catriona occupied, Christopher suppresses can't decide if he's annoyed or not. "Amalia. Hi."
Amalia Ricchetti, smiling warmly, taps the parchment in front of Christopher. "Always working. You should have some fun now and then, Christopher."
"You only think all I do is work because you only ever see me in class or when I'm working on an assignment."
"Then come to the party tonight so I can see you doing something else."
One of their classmates is having a birthday bash this evening. Christopher had thought to go but with his head pounding as it is, he's no longer sure he'll do anything this evening other than go to bed early. Without explaining he gives Amalia a noncommital, "Maybe."
She pouts. "Say you will. It's going to be a great party."
"All I can say right now is maybe. I'm not feeling that well right now. I'd be at home working on this paper or at home sleeping if my mum and some of her friends weren't hosting a party there this morning."
Still pouting Amalia says, "I hope you feel better and come to the party. I'll let you get back to your work."
"Thanks, Amalia."
Alone again, Christopher takes a drink of coffee, reads over what he'd been writing when she sat down, then tries to pick back up on his train of thought. It's not easy though because Christopher can sense Amalia periodically looking at him from the table where she's joined a couple of others he's seen around the St. Emrys campus but who he doesn't think are in any of the same classes as he is. He doesn't mind being friends with Amalia but isn't interested in anything more. If he does go to that party tonight, he's got a feeling he'll end up having to remind Amalia of that.
It takes him a few minutes but Christopher is finally able to get his mind fully back on the task at hand. After that, despite the headache, fortified with more coffee and a couple of apple streusel muffins he quickly makes inroads on completing the paper.
The Sibling Effect
Author: Jefferson
Date: 04-01-14 19:59
"We're not having this argument again." Jefferson stood in the kitchen, backed into the corner cabinet, wand drawn in defense. There had been an unspoken, growing tension between Jefferson and his little sister, much of which began when they left Louisiana.
A fire burned in the brunette's eyes, only to be quelled by the tears that started. "You NEVER want to talk about it, how is that having an argument?!" Lawson glared at her older brother, she was angry, and it was getting worse.
Jefferson looked up and easily disarmed the brunette when she reached for her wand. "STOP acting like a child! I do not wish to discuss something we have no need to worry over anymore, you are safe here."
Lawson just shook her head, "I don't care about being safe, it still wasn't my choice, I was better off…"
"No. You weren't. Look, you voluntarily came here, which allowed the charges to be dropped, with the promise you'd never return home."
"I know. You never told Mel about it, did you? Though I doubt I would have a place to live if she knew the background."
"No, it honestly hasn't come up, but she'll find out eventually, you can hide the past, Laws."
"Ugh, it wasn't even that bad, Jeff! It was pretty much an accident, and people got in the way."
Jeff sighed and shook his head, "Lawson…"
"I know that tone, don't pity me. You are not my father."
"Show some respect and grow up, then I won't feel the need…"
Lawson snorted, "The need to protect me? Just because you're a big bad hit wizard doesn't mean you need to act like it at home." She grabbed her purse and headed for the front door. "I gotta go to work, I may or may not make it back."
Jefferson could only shake his head as he watched Lawson leave, she was an adult and could survive on her own, albeit unprotected from a darker past.