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(Beatrix) Last Lesson
Author: Griet
Date: 06-19-15 16:45
After eleven long weeks, not including the time off for Easter break, the twelfth and final apparition lesson had finally arrived. Beatrix was ready to be done with it all. She had done well since the very beginning, though she had known better than to think she didn't need every single opportunity to practice. She knew good and well that cockiness could lead to a mistake, and she really didn't want to screw up during the apparition testing scheduled for just around the corner. She was simply tired of the three Ds and the repetitiveness of apparating here and there.
After the final apparition lesson, it would be time for the Dueling Club's inter-school competition. Beatrix had almost opted out of the competition this year, because of what had happened last time. Her big crush on Ash had led her to go easy on him during their duel, something he hadn't appreciated and which Rowan had been all too quick to point out to Beatrix. That, in turn, had led to the two best friends falling out with each other.
Things were better on all fronts now, though not as peachy as they had been prior to last year's dueling competition. Beatrix had ultimately signed up for the competition and vowed to duel Ash properly, if they ended up paired together. Who knows? Maybe he'd realize his undying love for her once she quite literally knocked him off his feet? A girl could dream.
Thinking about Ash also put to mind how he would soon be graduating from Hogwarts. The thought saddened Beatrix, because it meant she wouldn't see him everyday. She hoped that he wouldn't forget her.
She glanced over at Rowan, who was several hoops away and seemed to be concentrating very hard on apparating back to her original spot in the room. There was a great long pause and then she disappeared, only to reappear instantly outside of her hoop. She let her breath escape her lips and then focused her attention on the hoop in front of her.
Beatrix turned back to her own hoop. The lesson was a little more than halfway over, but it still felt like ages before it would end. She sighed quietly to herself and then forced herself to get back to practicing.
Depressed
Author: Jared
Date: 06-19-15 20:33
Sage pulls out a chair at the back, corner table Jared chose when arriving at The Leaky Cauldron. Noting the mug in front of his friend he comments, "Little early."
"A little, but only just," Jared acknowledges.
"You order any food to go with that?"
"Not yet. I wasn't sure what you'd want or even if you'd want to eat here or somewhere else."
"Here's fine." Sage signals the waitress. "I know what I want. Do you?" he directs this to Jared.
"I'm not sure I care at this point."
Sage arches an eyebrow but refrains from saying anything just then as the waitress is already there. "The fish and chips for each of us, thanks."
Giving his attention back to Jared he asks, "What's with you?"
Jared takes a slug of his lager before answering. "I don't actually know."
From the expression on Sage's face Jared takes it that his friend has no idea how to respond. He takes another pull of his drink then elaborates. "The honeymoon's definitely over. I just don't know why."
"You've been married for over a year. Honeymoon has to end at some point."
"I know it's just that," Jared shakes his head. "I don't know. I can't put my finger on on it and it's hard to explain."
Sage takes a sip of the water the waitress brought them both. "Have you talked with Alanna?"
"Sort of. We talk but nothing's every really said. From my viewpoint, Alanna is distant at times. She says I can be too."
"You were willing to let your relationship go so she'd be free of you when you were having those legal difficulties." Sage's wording is diplomatic considering those legal difficulties involved Jared being accused of rape.
"Yeah, I wasn't easy to be around, I admit. This is different though. As I said, it's hard to explain. Part of it is worry for Karina, for Anthony, and for Toby, but there's something else. That's the something I can't quite put my finger on. This isn't every day, all day, mind you. It's also not something someone else might notice or pick up on."
"But you don't think you're imagining it or projecting?"
Jared drains his mug and motions for another. "No, or at least I don't think so."
"How many of those have you had?"
"Two so far."
"Good thing the food's coming then if you're having a third."
"It will be my last." Jared doesn't say his last until when, thinking he can continue drowning his misery after Sage leaves.
As if reading his thoughts Sage says, "Getting drunk won't solve anything plus you'll be sick with a massive headache on top of it."
"Good point." Jared asks for a lemonade instead of another lager when the waitress reaches the table with the food. As he'd planned to drink well after lunch, now he's got to figure out what he'll do to keep himself occupied. When Sage suggests a Quidditch match that starts at 2 pm, Jared finds himself agreeing simply for lack of anything else to do that does not involve going home to an empty house, Alanna being out for the day.
Jared doesn't want to keep trying to verbalize what's got him down and Sage doesn't seem to want to discuss his own current gripes against his father so the two end up talking work and the line-ups for the Quidditch teams they're going to watch in a few hours.
Downtime (Crew)
Author: Driver Morgan
Date: 06-20-15 18:17
"You sure got in trouble didn't you, Crewbie?"
The younger boy shrugged at Remedy's question. "I guess so, it doesn't matter anyways."
At that remark Sagitta perked her head up, and turned to face him, "Crew, don't act like you don't care, we know you're still upset."
"Yeah." He leaned back on the couch, letting his feet dangle over the arm as he closed his eyes. "Mom and Dad were so angry, I didn't think I was doing that bad on my schoolwork."
Sagitta exchanged an incredulous look with Remedy, "We have been telling you that all year. You are far too focused on anything but school. I think they made the right decision."
"Wait, what? You're supposed to be on my side!"
"We are, figure it out Crew." Remedy nodded in agreement, before picking up her textbook to read.
"Gee, thanks."
Ita sighed, "There's always next year for Quidditch, if you bring your marks up and your parents even allow you to try out again. You may be a Quidditch prodigy but you slip again and they'd pull you off the team in a second."
After his ego took a breath, he sat up. "Okay. I'll work harder, you may have to help me keep focused some though."
"There are hexes for that." Rem said, trying to look devious, but couldn't help the grin. "C'mon, lets enjoy our Saturday after we do a little relaxing we can head to lunch and see what the day brings." Rem said after taking a bite of a chocolate Fairy Cake.
Crew teased "So long as it doesn't involve homework!"
Family Time
Author: Cai Pembroke Carter
Date: 06-21-15 10:59
A trio of fairy cakes rest on the table between the trio of Carter siblings - chocolate chip, strawberry lemonade, and a blueberry. Three different fairy cakes that would be split so that there was some for each of the girls as they enjoyed the quest of the day.
"Seriously, I'm done dating until sometime after I start at St. Emrys...or maybe until after I'm done," Cai said as she sank back into the chair and pushed a hand through her blonde hair. She sighed lightly.
"Wait, you got your acceptance letter? When? Why didn't you tell me?" Angharad said as she popped a small wedge of the strawberry lemonade fairy cake into her mouth, sighing softly at the delicious tangy, sweet flavor of the fairy cake.
"I got it this morning in the post. You haven't gotten yours yet?" Cai said, reaching into her messenger bag and extracted the letter. "Dependent on my NEWT marks, but that shouldn't be an issue. I just have to figure out what I'm going to specialize in...but that I can pretty much wait on."
"It is seriously going to be weird being the only one left. With the two of you gone. It was nice just being the three girls, with Broderick gone...but next year it will be just me."
Cai grinned at her little sister, "I know, it's gonna be weird but I know you'll do awesome. Especially if you keep going like you are for the quidditch team. This year's been pretty good for Gryffindor, not so much for Ravenclaw, but ya know, you guys will have your year to shine."
Aderyn flicked a chocolate sprinkle at her sister and grinned, "True, but I'm definitely looking forward to not having to share family time during the term."
The trio of girls talked, and ultimately decided to venture out on to the grounds to soak up some sun. Grabbing books and a blanket from one of their rooms, making today a lazy Saturday, because Cai and Angharad didn't have very many left.
(Adriana) Future Endeavors
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 06-21-15 15:10
Adriana walked through the front doors at Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe disguised as an extremely tall blonde woman with a pageboy haircut. She stopped to peruse a display table with sale items while at the same time surveying the room. Two of her Death Eaters worked out front: Vandalia Keene, whom she had chosen to take over managing the store following the sudden departure of Aris; and Malarie McEvilley, who was busy stocking crystals onto a shelf.
To the public eye, Aris' had left not quite so suddenly as he'd departed his life. The elder Goyle had taken on Aris' identity and kept up appearances in the shoppe and among the circles where the real Aris had often found himself. Faux Aris had eventually let it be known that he would sell Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe, an establishment he had inherited from his father and never particularly liked, and that he would spend some time traveling the world before settling down somewhere and starting a new career.
Just last week "Aris" officially sold his shoppe to Vandalia, a Death Eater who could walk around freely since nobody but the Death Eaters themselves knew what she truly was. To keep up the ruse of Aris wandering the world, Adriana herself had gone to the Amalfi Coast yesterday and sent a postcard to his best friend at Hogwarts. Adriana was quite good at forging signatures and had plenty of Aris' own documents from which to copy. Her plan was to periodically send herself or someone else to another country and mail off another postcard, but eventually Aris' death would become official. Although not yet decided, Adriana was leaning towards a dragon accident, much like her own faked death all those years ago.
She walked up to the counter where Vandalia was busy recording information into a receipt book and said, "I understand you sell rose thorns."
Vandalia looked up sharply, recognizing the coded phrase, and briefly took in Adriana's appearance. She didn't delay too long in answering, however. "If you'll step into the back with me," she began, "I can show you what we have. I'm afraid we haven't had time to stock our shelves yet…"
She folded back part of the counter top to let Adriana pass through and then led her into the back, where she waited for a moment to see if instructions or news awaited her. Adriana, however, marched straight to the staircase without another word to Vandalia. She climbed it to the flat once lived in by Aris and found Dorian Somerset seated on a sofa reading the weekend Prophet.
She plopped down next to him and regarded him silently for a moment. He seemed to know who she was despite the fact that she looked totally different, though he didn't look away from the newspaper.
"I've been thinking," Adriana started, not at all bothered by the fact that he wasn't giving her his undivided attention. "There's a big anniversary coming up at the end of the summer."
"The attack on Diagon Alley?" Dorian asked, his eyes still on his newspaper.
"Yes, that," Adriana said. "I was thinking we should commemorate it somehow. What do you think about attacking it again? Or, perhaps we should focus on King's Cross Station and make a scene in front wizards and Muggles alike? Or, we could hijack the Hogwarts Express…"
Dorian finally put down the newspaper and studied Adriana for a long moment. "Ten years ago, your predecessor attacked Diagon Alley with an army that would have included my adopted son, had he not broken the enchantment placed upon him. The Death Eaters had no part in the attack. In fact, they were excluded, if not blindsided by the event. I have no doubt your newest followers will be on board with whatever you decide, but I cannot speak for the old-timers. They will do as you command, I'm sure, but I don't know if they will agree if your sole reason is to commemorate something Voldemort's secret army did."
Adriana pondered Dorian's words. He had belonged to the secret army in his own way, so to hear him speak so candidly of what had happened ten years ago instilled her with some caution. She nevertheless wanted something to happen on or around the anniversary of the attack, but unlike ten years ago, this year the Death Eaters would very much be involved.
The Dueling Is Underway
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 06-21-15 19:04
With Ethan currently on the stage Kissy is in charge of organizing those students soon to be on the platform for a duel. She has those for the next five duels on standby and as soon as she sends first year Hufflepuff Edmund Woodhouse and first year Gryffindor Augusta Rushworth to the stairs for the duel following the one now taking place, she begins pegging a few others to come stand in the waiting area off to one side of the stage.
The dueling taking place right now is between Sarafina Sutton and Nala Monsoori. Both are second years though the former is in Slytherin House and the latter is a Ravenclaw. The two girls have managed well so far, serious expressions of concentration on their faces. Nala is victorious not a half second later when Sarafina is momentarily distracted by something or someone in the audience.
Kissy makes the appropriate notations on her chart as she sends Edmund and Augusta up, Ethan indicating where each should stand, making sure the two first years are paying attention and ready when he gives the signal to begin. From across the stage she makes eye contact with Filius Flitwick, who's standing on a chair. She smiles at the other professor who is more than a spectator. Some of the other professors volunteered to assist with today's Dueling Club Inter-School Competition. At the moment, Filius is, like Kissy, writing down round results.
Augusta and Edmund exit the stage, Augusta grinning at having won her first duel of the day. Edmund is scowling, not only unhappy at having lost but quite possibly also because he lost to a girl.
Taking their places on the stage now are Calliope Quinn and Audrey Appleseed. Both are sixth years and also happen to be roommates. Kissy was slightly surprised to see Audrey's name on the sign-up sheet that came out of the Gryffindor common room. Audrey chose not to take Defense Against The Dark Arts as a sixth year and she only sporadically attends Dueling Club meetings. She wonders if Audrey's taking part today has anything to do with her friends, Calliope perhaps?, convincing her to put her name down or if there's some other reason.
Catching the attention of three different students, Kissy motions them to the waiting area. For now, the pace is moving along nicely; however, as they have more signing up this year than last if needed, another stage will go up and they'll have two matches taking place at a time. That possibility is another reason Kissy is glad of the help from colleagues such as Filius.
Spectators
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 06-22-15 15:13
Celeste was at the Great Hall, watching a pair of sixth years dueling. Eugene was seated next to her. He would rarely come to watch the school Quidditch matches with her, but he had always enjoyed a good duel.
The duel ended and Caleb climbed to the platform. He would compete against a Gryffindor named Mickey Moon. Celeste could not help to notice the presence of the two McCourt sisters by the platform. The youngest one, Patricia, was clearly rooting for his nephew. Sophie seemed neutral. While Mickey kept casting spells, Caleb would just defend himself, using the Protego charm.
"It's called a dueling defensive tactic," Eugene explained to his wife. "His opponent will start feeling frustrated and once the right opportunity comes, Caleb will attack. With luck, he will win the duel with just an offensive blow."
Celeste nodded. It was a good tactic, but to be honest she would prefer her nephew would use a variety of spells against Mickey and not just stick himself to a mere defensive spell. Where was his pride in his dueling skills? He was playing safe and not taking any risks. But that used to be a quality owned by the Quigleys. They were cautious and did not mind to wait to accomplish their goals.
This made her think about Maud. She was not a Quigley but a Montgomery and now that Archer had somewhat confirmed his daughter was a witch, Celeste was eager to spend more time with her nice, more than she ever was in the past, when she thought she was a Muggle. She had asked her brother if she could have Maud coming for the Spring Social, to show her Hogwarts. But he refused. He was always making excuses for Celeste not to meet Maud. It seemed that he was also toying with the idea of gaining full custody of his daughter. He thought that depriving Maud from being with her witch mother, would keep his daughter from going to Hogwarts and study magic next school year.
Celeste had tried to explain him that no matter what he did, if Maud was truly a witch, then she would attend Hogwarts or any other magical school. But Archer was not convinced and she knew how stubborn he could be. Besides she doubted any courthouse would grant him his daughter's full custody under the claims that he did not want his daughter to brew potions and fly on a broomstick. He would be sent right away to a madhouse.
She thought how Maud would act in a duel, while she contemplated Caleb finally trying an offensive spell against Mickey. The Gryffindor boy deviated from the spell. He had quick reflexes and he then cast another spell against Caleb. Caught in surprise he was not able to deflect the spell and it hit his arm. It started to swell, alongside his fingers, and Caleb suddenly lost control of his hand and he couldn't hold his wand anymore. It fell on the dueling platform.
Mickey Moon was declared the winner. Patricia was clearly disappointed and so was Eugene. Sophie clapped her hands applauding both Mickey and Caleb, saying that they have done a good job.
"I am sure he will do better next time," Eugene declared.
Celeste agreed and she discreetly held her husband's hand. They continued to watch the duels with interest.
Slightly Distracted (AJ)
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 06-23-15 19:41
In the short lull between dueling rounds AJ rushes over to where Mariposa is sitting. "How are you? Do you need anything?"
Mariposa drolly replies, "Have I gone into labor in the two minutes since you last checked on me? No."
His cheeks slightly flushing AJ apologizes. "Sorry. I don't know why I'm being such a worrywart."
Mariposa lovingly pats his arm. "You are being something of a pest."
AJ gives her a quick peck on the cheek then returns to a spot near where dueling competition participants come off the stage. AJ is helping out with any who need assistance with a spell reversal. Competitors have been warned against using certain spells, charms, and hexes but any number of others are free to use for those wishing to wield them during a round. One example is the student who successfully used Redactum Skullus against his opponent. The opponent was so shocked at suddenly having a much smaller head, not to mention all the laughing going on at the sight, that he next allowed his wand to be sent flying. AJ administered the counter-spell Engorgio Skullus as soon as the two came off the stage.
He looks over again to where Mariposa is sitting, hoping she truly is fine and not in any discomfort. Or any additional discomfort that a nine months pregnant woman is already in.
Seeing him watching her Mariposa smiles then points to the stage mouthing, "Pay attention." If he knew she was feeling slightly off and thinks she may be in the very early stages of labor, AJ would have her out of there in a blink. She sees no point in that when there's really nothing much to be done until she's in full blown labor and the contractions are near enough apart to warrant going to St. Mungo's. Until then, Mariposa would much rather spend the time with something entertaining and interesting, namely watching the Dueling Club's interschool competition.
Mariposa's smile increases at one student clomps off the stage, one ear hugely extended, flopping much like an elephant ear. AJ quickly fixes the ear, looking from it to the girl's other ear, making sure he got it back to the proper size.
The next two on the stage to face off are second years so it's highly doubtful either know any of the more difficult, body altering spells. It is possible one or both might but it's less likely. Because of this, AJ finds himself only half watching the duel, his eyes straying often to his wife, wondering if by weekend's end, they'll be welcoming their first child into the world.
Dueling Greens
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 06-24-15 20:34
Hunter sits with a frown that some might term worried. If he knew that he was being perceived as worried he'd tell whomever that he's not. Any expression taken as such is him going over the duel he lost against Winifred Hicks.
He should have won. Whenever paired with Winifred for dueling in Defense Against the Dark Arts or during Dueling Club, he's beaten her.
Was he overly confident because of those past victories?
Was it that she looks especially fetchingly cute today?
Hunter shakes his head. He can't keep dwelling on the loss. He's had a win as well. Against Bart Kimple. Some have competed in three matches so odds are high that Hunter will have at least one more opportunity if not several more. He needs to look forward to that, not letting a single loss bug the heck out of him.
Ever so slightly he shakes his head again. He shouldn't have lost. His mistake as a stupid one. The sort of mistake someone knew to dueling might make. Why, why, why did he make it?
Winifred drops into the empty seat next to Hunter, offering him some of the chocolate covered nuts she's eating from a small container. "I stepped out for a couple of minutes. What did I miss?"
Keeping his voice low, Hunter fills her in, wondering if the nice aroma wafting from Winifred is perfume or her shampoo. Either way, she smells nice.
Sitting back with a stifled sigh, popping one of the chocolate covered nuts into his mouth, Hunter fervently hopes that he somehow is not matched with Winifred again for his next round.
Sitting a couple of rows behind her twin and a few chairs over, Jade's frown is not from losing any matches. It is because her roommate Penny is not faring well in the dueling match currently taking place. It is also because though Jade signed up to participate she had to withdraw yesterday afternoon at Madam Pomfrey's insistence.
Going up the stairs after lunch Friday, planning on putting her things in her room then getting in some dueling practice for today, Jade had slipped. She cracked her elbow hard enough that she's in a sling until at least tomorrow and she hit the bridge of her nose on the edge of one of the stairs. She's got bruising under both eyes and her nose, while not broken, is extremely sore.
Madam Pomfrey gave her potions that have already made a world of difference. Still, the nurse thought it best to give Jade's elbow a rest to give the potion for it time to work fully and that dueling with an already banged up nose also wasn't the best of ideas. Madam Pomfrey strongly suggested Jade not participate in today's competition. A strong suggestion from Madam Pomfrey is pretty much the equivalent of an order given that if Jade had not spoken with Professor Weatherby, Madam Pomfrey would have most likely made Jade stay in the hospital wing until satisfied the potions have done their work.
Jade has enjoyed being a mere spectator but it's not the same. At times she's almost left, thinking that if she can't take part she should be studying for the rapidly approaching O.W.L. exams. It crosses her mind again but she can see one of her best friends moving into the waiting area to duel. That means she's is up again soon and Jade doesn't want to miss the match.
Thoughts of studying momentarily on hold, Jade joins the clapping as the current duel comes to an end, one participant covered in hives that will need to be fixed, and the names are announced for the next match.
End of the Competition
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 06-25-15 22:48
Ethan stood off to the side of the raised platform, where members of the Dueling Club met two at a time and watched as a duel between two seventh years unfolded. Standing next to him were the next two contenders, both bright-eyed first years eager to get the better of the other.
One of the seventh years managed to nail the other in the throat with a spell, causing her victim to clutch at his neck and wheeze. The gesture of hand covering neck put the severed head of Hattie Harsnip to mind. Ethan wondered if she had been involved in a duel in her final moments. Had her end come instantly, or had she clutched at her wounded neck first?
He still couldn't shake the image of her head in a basket from his mind. It was made even worse because the head had been that of a boy and not how Hattie had looked when Ethan had first met her. At least, it was a small comfort that she could no longer bother him.
Kissy looked over to him to get his attention, since the seventh years had vacated the platform already, and the first years hadn't yet been sent up. Ethan hastily turned to them and ushered them onto the platform, where Kissy had them take their positions.
"On my mark," she said. "Three, two, one, begin!"
The quicker of the two fired off a dancing jinx, but his opponent dodged it and came back with the leg-locker curse. The duel ended right then and there, and so did the entire competition.
Ethan joined Kissy on the platform and beckoned Professor Flitwick forward, who announced the third, second, and first place winners. Plaques were handed out to the winners, and a promise was made to post the entire competition's final standings on the notice board in the Commons.