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(Franciscus) Lesson One
Author: Griet
Date: 02-10-17 18:43
Franciscus stood in the Great Hall with the other students enrolled in the twelve-week apparition course and listened as the teacher, Ms. or perhaps Mrs. Plaskitt, described the magical transportation process of disapparating from one location and apparating to another. He was glad his parents had allowed him to sign up for the course, not that he thought they wouldn't. Franciscus just really wanted to learn how to apparate so that he could travel wherever he wanted to go in the blink of an eye.
Now if only Professor Plaskitt would end her monologue so they could start practicing! A few of the other students in attendance were fidgeting, probably also eager to get the practical portion of the lesson started. Some of the others were listening attentively, though, including Franciscus' cousin Paton. Paton was also happy to be enrolled in the course and looked foward to earning his license, though he would have to wait till the summer since he was fairly certain his 17th birthday happened a week after the scheduled testing at Hogwarts. Bummer, that!
Professor Plaskitt had a lot to say about apparition. Franciscus shifted from foot to foot and then paused when he saw Professor Snape circling the room. He focused his attention back on the apparition instructor and tried to picture in his mind what she was describing. Of course he had seen wizards apparate before. Every single one of his sisters was licensed. He supposed he never realized how much deliberation went into the act.
Finally, Professor Plaskitt stopped her monologue to demonstrate apparating. She disappeared from her spot with a loud crack and then reappeared across the room. Franciscus resisted the urge to applaud. Rather than apparate back to the front of the room, Professor Plaskitt walked through the rows of students and conjured wooden hoops for each of them. Franciscus stared at the one in front of him. Surely it wouldn't be that hard to apparate into the hoop.
Franciscus stared at it, envisioned himself in it, and… nothing happened.
He looked around the room and saw that none of the other students had achieved anything. A few were still in the process of concentrating, and at least one person had tipped forward, caught himself but accidentally kicked his hoop into the heels of the person in front of him.
"It's perfectly normal not to see results on the first try," Professor Plaskitt said. "Now, give it another go."
Franciscus stared at his hoop again and gave it another go.
Quieter Than Usual
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 02-11-17 18:26
Zabrynna had given exams Friday to her two second year classes. Initially, she'd planned to work on grading them during her Friday office hours but had had such a bad headache and nothing she took was helping. She'd ended up cancelling office hours to go home where she, joined by the two cats, had stretched out on the couch.
With no other real Saturday plans and the headache gone Zabrynna decided to come to Hogwarts to at least make a dent in the to be graded stack. She's gotten the set for one of the classes graded but before she starts on those from the other class she decides to take a break.
After getting up and stretching she takes a mug with her to the Common Commons. Zabrynna could have summoned a House Elf to bring her something or made a pot of tea there in her office but thought walking to the Commons would help work out a muscle kink in her back. Paying a visit to the Commons also means being able to see what's on offer there rather than placing an order with a House Elf in her office.
While standing at the Commons bar deliberating on something to go with the tea now steaming in her mug Rand comes up right beside her. He either doesn't notice her or for some reason is pretending not to. She can't think of why he would pretend not to see her when his clothes are brushing against hers. This makes Zabrynna wonder if the always quiet Rand has been even quieter and more subdued since the return from Durmstrang.
"Hello, Rand. Are you having a nice Saturday so far?"
He starts, leading her to believe that while he had to have known he was standing next to someone it hadn't registered with him who that someone is. "Zabrynna, I mean Professor Ravensdale, hi. Yes, I slept in, which is always nice." Knowing of her headache yesterday he asks, "Are you feeling better."
"Much. Thank you for asking. Rand, I've noticed you've been extra quiet lately. Have you gotten another letter?"
"No, not since that last I told you about."
"Is there something else?"
Rand colors slightly, his head dropping. "It's nothing."
"Which means it's something."
His shoulders sag a little now as well. "I only placed twelfth. I left Declan and you down."
The History Quiz Showdown. Neither Rand nor the other second year representing Hogwarts had fared well. Kaycee Sickleby had earned fourteenth of fourteen contestants. Rand was eliminated from the competition soon after with twelfth place.
"You did your best?"
"Yes."
"Then you didn't let us down."
"But I did!" Rand emphatically exclaims.
"No, sweetie, you didn't. Declan and I are proud of you, Rand." Zabrynna pats him on the shoulder, thinking he would be embarrassed to be hugged with so many others in the Commons to witness.
Rand doesn't look like her believes her even as he asks, "I didn't?"
"You did not," she repeats.
Rand has an excuse to break off from her when one of his friends calls out, "You're up, Rand!"
Looking a bit glum he takes the plate of biscuits he'd come to get and excuses himself to go play a wizarding chess match. Zabrynna takes a pastry from the food selection and returns to her office, thinking Declan and she may need to speak with Rand in private to convince him that he did not let them down in any way.
Forcing herself to concentrate Zabrynna returns to the task of grading exams.
(Ariella) Emergency
Author: Beck
Date: 02-12-17 12:22
Ariella entered her grandmother's bedroom when she thought she heard sobs through the closed pocket door. She slid open the door and found her grandmother sitting on the edge of her bed with the back of her hand pressed to her mouth. Her shoulders heaved with every stifled sob, and tears ran in rivulets down her wrinkled cheeks.
"Nana, what's the matter?" Ariella asked, rushing to her grandmother's bedside. She put an arm around her grandmother and pulled her close.
Josefine Beck lowered her hand and cast red eyes upon her granddaughter. "You all have been through so much, and I think I've kept my emotions bottled up all this time. I don't know what overcame me, but it started unexpectedly and now I can't stop crying."
"Oh, Nana," Ariella murmured. "It'll be all right."
Her grandmother pulled back to better look Ariella in the face and asked defeatedly, "Will it? You parents and Kendra are long dead. Anthony was in jail. Alanna is in prison. Toby, Katherine, and Gillian's careers were almost destroyed. And your husband seems to have abandoned you and his children completely, and for what? Some Australian dark lord?"
Ariella frowned. "I know, but…"
But she didn't know how to finish her sentence. The Beck family had been through a lot, and it seemed that the trials and tribulations were far from complete. Lawrence and Maggie were still overseas, and if they were ever caught, then they'd probably wind up in prison too. Things also didn't look very good for Alanna, but Ariella knew that Anthony was working tirelessly to clear her sister's good name.
"I just… can't… take it…" Josefine let out a groan and then clutched at her chest.
"Nana?" Ariella asked, growing increasingly concerned.
Josefine's eyes rolled up into her head, and then she slumped forwards. Ariella caught her grandmother before she could fall off the bed and gently pushed her backwards. Then, Ariella sprang up and raced to the sunroom, where she slid open the patio door and yelled out to her grandfather, who was planting bulbs in the garden.
He hurried inside and tried to rouse his wife, but Josefine remained listless on the bed. She was breathing, but her breaths sounded uneven.
"I'll take her to St. Mungo's!" Ariella exclaimed. "I'm stronger," she added, when her grandfather started to say he could do it himself. "You get Karina and Adam and meet us there."
Ariella pulled her grandmother back up into a sitting position and then hoisted her up, so that Josefine was leaning awkwardly against her side. Ariella held on tight and disapparated.
At St. Mungo's, Ariella flagged down the first healer she found. Josefine Beck was immediately moved onto a gurney conjured just for her, and then she was carried away to the emergency ward. Ariella debated waiting for her grandfather to arrive with the kids or finding a hospital owl to send a message to Anthony.
The decision was made for her when Gramps arrived a few minutes later with Karina by the hand and Adam in his arms. Gramps was still dressed in his winter coat, and the knees of his pants were dirty from where he'd been kneeling on the hard earth. Karina was dressed in corduroy overalls and a jumper, while Adam was only wearing a winter-weather onesie.
"I forgot the diaper bag," Ariella's grandfather said, sounding dismayed.
"Don't worry about it," Ariella told him. "They took her to emergency and said they'd let me know when we can see her. Why don't we sit for a while?"
"We should tell Anthony and Alanna."
Ariella nodded. "I'll send them a note. Will you watch them for a moment while I find the owlery?"
Ariella's grandfather nodded and led Karina to a set of open seats in the waiting room. Ariella watched them for a quick moment and then went off to send her message. She decided she would only contact Anthony right now. There was no reason to needless worry an already worried Alanna.
(Tessa) Unexpected Question
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 02-13-17 18:17
Tessa ducked into The Three Broomsticks with Blakeney and Chip. The pub was already crowded, probably because the weather wasn't all that great at the moment. It was freezing cold outside, and it was drizzling icy rain. The three frowned when all the seats near the various hearths were taken. They had to make do with a table in the middle of the room.
Tessa shed her coat and mittens, but left on her scarf and hat. She sat and warmed her hands by rubbing them together while she stared at the menu flat on the table.
"Your sister was right to stay in," Chip commented to Blakeney. He was referring to his best friend Alys, who woke up with a sore throat and decided a few more hours in bed was the best course of action. If she felt better later, then she would join the others in Hogsmeade.
"True, but she might miss the Hogsmeade trip altogether, and it's not everyday we get to leave Hogwarts."
"We get to leave Hogwarts more this year than normal," Tessa pointed out. Thanks to the SAT, some of them had gotten to visit other schools of magic. Chip would get his chance later this month, when the Cauldron Clash and Dueling events took place at La Escuela de Hechiceria in Santiago, Chile. Blakeney's younger siblings Conrad and Daphne would also go on that trip.
"Yeah, but we only get to visit Hogsmeade four times a year. It'd be a shame to miss even one, if you ask me."
"That's only because you have this thing for shopping," Tessa replied with a grin. "You and my sister's cousin would get along, I think."
"Well…" Blakeney conceded, also smiling. "I'm going to run to the loo," she suddenly announced. "I want the pancake breakfast, if you order," she added. With that, she got up and wended her way to the probably crowded bathroom.
Tessa was thinking the pancake breakfast sounded good to her, too. It consisted of three buttermilk pancakes, crisp bacon and link sausage with a butter croissant. She would probably get pumpkin juice with it, though hot cocoa also sounded good.
"Tessa…"
She looked up at Chip and saw that he was fidgeting with the silverware at his place setting. A pink flush seemed to rise up from the collar of his fleece, zip-front jumper.
"What?" she asked.
She was about to ask him if he was getting too hot, as the pub was crowded and it was already feeling quite warm, but then he said, "I was wondering if you would, erm, be my girlfriend."
"But what about Blakeney?" Tessa blurted out.
Chip looked confused. "What about her?" he asked.
"She's had a crush on you since our first year," Tessa explained.
Chip let out a short laugh. "Okay, but I think she's gotten over it. All she ever talks about nowadays are those two French boys she met at Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. I think she's trying to date them both simultaneously."
"You're probably right about François and Napoleon, but I still think she likes you."
"She might, but I like you, Tessa. Are you saying you don't want to be my girlfriend because you're afraid it'll hurt Blakeney's feelings?" Chip asked.
Tessa didn't know what to say. She liked hanging out with Chip, but she wasn't sure she wanted to be his girlfriend. Maybe it had a little something to do with Blakeney, but Tessa had never had a crush on Chip herself.
"Listen, I really like you, Tessa. You're smart, you're fun, and you're…" He colored again. "Well, you're really pretty. Prettier everyday, if you ask me."
Now it was Tessa's turn to blush. "Um, thanks."
Chip was starting to get flustered. "So… what do you say, Tessa? Will you… would you…?"
Tessa nodded. "Okay."
"Okay?" A smile spread over Chip's face. "Okay!"
"What's okay?" Blakeney asked, plopping back down in her chair.
Tessa looked at Chip and then at Blakeney. "Chip just asked me out," she said, not even believing the words were coming out of her own mouth, "and I said yes."
Blakeney blinked. "Really?" A mix of emotions flickered across her face and then she grinned and exclaimed, "That's wonderful! And just in time for Valentine's, too! I wonder if my boys will send me flowers. Won't that be nice? Too bad I can't see either of them for the holiday, but oh well. A card and bouquet will be nice enough."
Tessa smiled uneasily. She had totally forgotten that Valentine's Day was coming up. Did she have to get Chip a gift now that they were officially dating? She was totally clueless and felt completely out of her element.
Chip shot up from his seat and announced, "I'll order our food and drinks from the bar. Tell me what you want."
The girls did, and then they were left alone at the table.
"So," Blakeney pressed, leaning forward with eyes beady from the excitement she genuinely felt, "tell me everything."
Wanting To Impress (Leo)
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 02-13-17 19:19
Before popping a few warm cinnamon almonds into his mouth Leo takes in a red, pink, and white window display heavy on hearts, roses, and cherubs. "I think it's a lost cause at this point."
Dipping his hand into his own paper cone of cinnamon almond Pedro Garcia points out, "There never was much of a cause to begin with."
"Only because things didn't go as I'd hoped."
"Stop using your History Quiz Showdown finish as an excuse."
Leo had placed 9th in the most recent Scholastic Aptitude Tournament event. He had thought he'd do better than that. He'd worked hard to prepare. Going into the competition he thought he might be able to make the top three and that would, in turn impress a certain someone. Ranking 9th isn't going to cut it.
Around a mouthful of almonds Pedro says with a shrug, "There's always dueling."
"That's not until the end of the month. Valentine's is Monday. This Monday."
"So you have to impress her between now and Monday or it's no use?"
"When you put it like that... ." That does come off sounding silly but that doesn't help how inadequate Leo is feeling. To deflect he asks, "How come you didn't enter anything?"
Pedro give Leo a puzzled look. "I did enter. I entered pretty much everything so far."
"Weird that you'd not been picked and I have more than once."
"Luck. Karma. What's that other k one? Kismet? Something like that."
"Why do you say luck?"
"All that extra studying, all that extra stress."
"We're fifth years. We have extra studying and extra stress because of the OWLs."
"But that extra studying I can put off longer. If I were in something like the history competition, I'd have had to do extra studying already."
"Then why enter everything you're eligible for?"
"Because if I had been chosen for something I could have bragged about it."
Leo laughs at the comment then pauses to toss his now empty paper cone into a dust bin. Still hungry he suggests, "Let's get something else, maybe from the bakery."
Pedro crumples his own cone and tosses it into the bin. "Works for me."
As they walk towards the bakery, passing even more Valentine's related displays, Leo wonders if he should get one of the baskets or make a Valentine's order at Briar's Bakery to send to Lilith Balfour. If he did that the next big question would be whether to sign his name or sign it as being from a secret admirer.
(Asher) Mysterious Meeting
Author: Jolyon
Date: 02-14-17 18:04
Asher milled around Hogsmeade on his own until it was time to go to Brews and Stews. He had received a mysterious invitation to attend a meeting "of like minds" at the eatery. The letter had arrived at breakfast yesterday morning and had consisted of only a few lines. It had also been unsigned.
He wasn't sure he would care to attend this strange meeting, but Asher couldn't pass up a free meal, and curiosity did end up getting the better of him. He'd find out soon enough if the meeting was worth attending, and he supposed he could always leave early if it didn't end up being his cup of tea.
Asher found the soup and salad joint busy, but then it was brunch time. The restaurant was a bit more casual than most and didn't have a hostess waiting at the door. Instead, Asher made his way to a private room he never knew existed until receiving the anonymous letter. He pushed open the door and found several people seated around a rectangular table. Most he recognized, some he knew well, but there was one he didn't know at all.
Moving to a seat farthest away from Malden, Asher wondered why Arielle wasn't present. Since he and his twin rarely saw eye to eye, maybe she hadn't been invited to this meeting "of like minds". He'd seen Malden go off with Arielle earlier in the morning, however, so how had Malden explained the need to part ways when the time came? Had he been honest about the meeting, or had he come up with an excuse to temporarily separate?
Asher sat down next to fellow Slytherin Maurice Kilman and asked, "Do you know what this is about?"
Maurice shook his head and said, "Not a clue."
It was then that the unfamiliar, older teenage boy sitting next to Malden spoke. "We'll wait a few more minutes for the rest of the invitees to arrive," he said, "but to answer your question, Asher Kent, you were handpicked to be here. Why, you ask? Because you are believed to share certain beliefs about how the world should be, and you have the potential to change things for the better."
Asher didn't respond. He didn't know how this strange boy, or young man––he could be in his early 20s––knew his name. The boy had sandy-blond hair, green eyes, a smattering of pale freckles across his cheeks, and slightly tanned skin. He wore a green, cable-knit jumper and blue jeans. Malden sat beside him with a quill and parchment, as if he were the official scribe for the meeting.
A few more people entered the room, including Asher's roommate Bruno Tate. Malden checked off the names on his own list and then nodded at the other young man.
The stranger stood up after that and said, "Welcome. My name is Sam. First, let's have a bit of refreshment, and then we can talk about our vision for the future."
The table was suddenly filled with goblets of pumpkin juice and platters with sandwich halves, bowls of fresh fruit, and some pastries.
Asher filled his plate and looked around the room. He tried to figure out what everybody had in common, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. There were a lot of Slytherins in the group, but not all of them were. Ages varied, and there were as many boys as there were girls. It wasn't a large group, though.
And who was the guy in charge? And how did Malden know him? Or had Malden been made secretary for showing up to the meeting first? So many questions, so little answers… so far, anyway.