|
|
What Does Hyperventilating Feel Like? (Estella)
Author: Saffron
Date: 01-24-19 19:18
Estella nervously runs her palms against her thighs. In a few minutes, maybe less, Gerti Crouch will begin the first apparition lesson of the 2012-2013 school term. A lesson Estella is taking part in. A lesson she's sure she will do so poorly on that she will be refunded the apparition lesson fee, told not to come back next week, and have it suggested to her that she invest in a lifetime Knight Bus pass. She's heard the stories of how Great Great Aunt Estella, from whom Estella's first name comes, was never able to successfully apparate but refused to stop trying to the point that someone from Magical Accidents & Catastrophes checked in on her a few times a day after her husband passed. Estella is certain that's what will be in store for her. Old, widowed, and alone, stubbornly trying to apparate on a regular basis only to splinch each and every time.
She expels a breath so loudly that Kurt next to her looks over. "You all right?"
"Oh, yeah. Fine. Just fine."
At the rising note of hysteria in her voice Kurt looks curiously at her, brow knitted together. "Uhhhh, sure."
"Say, Kurt. What does hyperventilating feel like?"
"Dunno, but it's having trouble breathing. Can you not breathe?"
"Getting a little difficult."
Kurt looks around, spotting Professor Miller. He scurries over. "Professor, Estella thinks she's hyperventilating."
Professor Miller rushes to Estella's side, Kurt close behind. He puts a hand on her back, bending to peer closely at her face. "Morning, Estella. Nervous about the lesson?"
"Little bit," she whispers, her face flushing hotly with the embarrassment of gaining a professor's attention BEFORE the lesson even begins.
Professor Miller's voice is calm and soothing. "You're breathing a tiny bit rapidly but not hyperventilating. I want you to take a breath in and hold it. Okay. Good. Now, very slowly exhale. Good. Good. Now slowly inhale again. And exhale."
Professor Miller gets Estella focused on her breathing. Her heart rate slows though her pulse is still faster than usual. When Professor Crouch asks for everyone's attention, he motions to a spot nearby. "I'll be right there if you need me."
She nods, hoping that focusing on Professor Crouch and the hoop into which she's supposed to be trying to apparate will help keep her from feeling again as though she can't breathe right. Running her palms down her thighs again, Estella gives her full attention to Professor Crouch, or as fully as she can while trying not to think about hyperventilating and splinching.
Before The Match
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 01-25-19 18:45
"Morning, Viktor." Theodosia holds up a beverage carrier in one hand and a paper bag in the other. "Brought you a peppermint mochaccino and enough cinnamon apple fritters to share. Oh, hello."
Viktor gestures from Theodosia to the man beside him and back again. "Theodosia, this is Fleming Olofson. Fleming, meet Theodosia Batuti."
The two exchange hellos with Dosie commenting, "I wasn't here for the first match of term but I did see you the last one. I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself then. I did bring an extra coffee if you'd like peppermint mochaccino."
"Yes, that would be great, thanks."
During the exchange Viktor had taken the beverage carrier from Dosie. Now he nods in the direction of where his field office lies. "We can take these inside."
There, he distributes the drinks while Dosie pulls the cinnamon apple fritters from the bag and places them on a napkin. Before taking a bite of her fritter Theodosia asks, "Just me assisting today or is someone else coming?"
"Marjani had thought to but she got up this morning not feeling that well. She begged off and went back to bed."
"Plenty of time before the match so when I finish this I'll go check on her."
His mouth full Viktor nods. Fleming reaches for a second fritter. "Thanks for this and the coffee." He taps the paper bag with the Briar's Bakery logo. "I am addicted to the sticky buns, especially the ones with nuts, so much so I forget how good everything else from Briar's is."
Viktor chuckles. "Sounds like Dosie with the apple fritters."
"I don't hear you complaining when I bring you some," she grins. "But, you are right. I need to expand my horizons. Next time I shall get a banana fritter."
Viktor chuckles again. "Speaking of bananas, I've been avoiding even walking past Briar's after seeing a new cake in the display. Bananas Foster."
"Bananas Foster as a cake? That does sound good." Fleming licks his fingers, glad there isn't a third fritter for him to have or he'd be making a pig of himself this morning.
"There's a cheesecake version as well," Dosie tells him.
"I know where I'm going after the match." Fleming reaches for his machoccino to finish it, his mind now on pastries and sweets rather than the Ravenclaw-Slytherin match he'll be announcing on the WWN soon.
Viktor drains his drink as well then begins cleaning the debris of their breakfast. "Thanks again, Dosie."
"What do you need me to help with to get set for the match?"
"Just need to take the trunk of balls out and double check a few of the school brooms in case there's a problem with one of the player's. Go on and check on Marjani."
"Neither of those things will take long so I'll help and then go."
Fleming helps Viktor carry out the trunk while Theodosia gets some of the brooms. Out on the pitch, the two men set the trunk down then Viktor takes the brooms from Theodosia so he can begin checking them.
"I won't be long," she promises, turning to make the walk into Hogsmeade.
Fleming falls into step with her, his thoughts still not on the upcoming match but on the variety available at Briar's Bakery. "I'll go in with you. I think I'll owl my mum one of those banana fosters cakes if there is one." And get something else for himself to munch out of microphone range when live on air for the WWN once the match begins. Maybe he'll even get something for the student announcer Ollie.
New Flat (Jordan, Betsy, & Justin)
Author: Plum
Date: 01-26-19 19:39
Jordan walks into Betsy's soon to be former bedroom where she's putting the last shrunken box into a bag with other miniaturized items. "What else?"
"This is it, thanks." She picks up the bag and slings its strap over her shoulder.
Betsy heads to the fireplace to Floo to her new flat. Jordan picks up a box next to the fireplace and follows. He exits the Floo just in time to hear Betsy say, "Ooooh, snacks. Thanks, Justin."
Jordan snags something that looks like a potato crisp but is covered in chocolate. "Didn't realize I'm famished until I saw this food." He pops the chocolate into his mouth, surprised to find it is a potato crisp. "Since when do crisps come coated with chocolate?" He reaches for another.
"No idea but they're good. Addictive even."
"I can see the addictive part," Betsy chimes in, reaching for another.
"The furniture delivery came but one of the end tables was wrong. The right one should be here any time now."
"Thanks, Justin. You too, Jordan. Relocating has gone much faster with your help."
Jordan, a chocolate covered crisp in one hand and a frosted sugar biscuit in the other, asks her, "How may I help now?"
"I think I've got it covered. I'm going to play around a bit with the furniture and get started unpacking boxes until time to get ready for an afternoon date."
"Anyone we know?" Jordan asks.
"No, don't think so. I met him recently at a friend's party." Betsy locates her new set of dishes and gets a bowl. "I'll take a few of the snacks then you two can take the rest."
"Excellent. Now that I am single yet again my plans for the day involve studying, studying, and more studying. I need brain food."
Justin shakes his head. "I swear if you'd been at Hogwarts you'd have been a Ravenclaw, Jordan."
Betsy cocks her head. "Those are the brainy ones, right?"
"Mostly, yeah."
"Yeah, that would be our Jordan, the perpetual student."
"Hey now, I'm working on a degree."
"That makes how many?" Justin grins.
Jordan reaches out to lightly tap Justin on the head. "Wouldn't hurt you to study more."
"I have a study session this afternoon as a matter of fact. I won't be studying through the night, however, as I too have a date."
Betsy's face shifts from amused to concerned. "How is Willow?"
"She's fine. There are times I would swear she's got some sort of secret so I have to remind myself she's still grieving for her brother."
Jordan sympathetically says, "Grieving can take time and can affect how a person comes across." Still serious but less so he claps Justin on the back. "How about I treat you to lunch before we both get down to studying?"
"I rarely turn down an offer of lunch and this is not one of them."
Jordan looks to their sister. "Bets, want to come?"
"Thanks, but part of the afternoon date is a late lunch. Or maybe it's early supper. I'm going to eat these snacks and a little fruit salad to tide me over. We're still on for brunch tomorrow though, right?"
"Absolutely." Jordan takes a step towards Betsy to peck her on the cheek. "See you in the morning."
A hug and a peck from Justin to Betsy and the brothers leave via the Floo back to Jordan's to decide what to get for lunch. Even before both has stepped into the Floo Betsy has turned her attention to the sitting room, excited to arranged the furniture just so in her new - first time living alone - flat.
(Belinda and Eileen) Sister vs Sister
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 01-27-19 03:48
For the third time Belinda and Eileen would confront each other at the Quidditch pitch. This time Belinda did not intimidate her sister, and even if she did so Eileen had gained confidence enough not to feel threatened by Belinda. The band was going to perform a concert at Valentine's Day and Belinda had been busy working on new songs and improving old ones. She didn't have time to track Eileen and to pester her about Quidditch. But it wasn't the band or Quidditch that occupied most of her thoughts. The real reason why she forgot about Eileen was Conrad Ellis.
Conrad had surprised her one day at lunch, inviting Belinda to hang out at the Common Commons later that day. She was teased by her Slytherin colleagues, but nevertheless she accepted Conrad's invitation. At first it was a bit awkward because she realized that despite her crush on Conrad, she did not really know him. They had some classes together but they never had a proper conversation before. However, Conrad wasn't shy and they soon started to talk about all sort of things. Conrad had the gift to make her laugh with his good mood and funny comments. For the next few weeks they started to hang out more after classes and yesterday they had lunch together at the Great Hall, just the two of them at the Slytherin table. Her friend Julia Vernon was convinced that Conrad would ask Belinda to be his girlfriend at the upcoming Valentine's Day, but she wasn't sure since they haven't even kissed yet.
The two sisters entered the pitch with the rest the of their teams. Slytherin had won the last match against Gryffindor and they wanted to consolidate their position, while the Ravenclaws were still looking for their first victory. Malden and Kurt, the two captains, shook their hands. The other players got themselves into position. The balls were freed and the match started. Jordan was the first to reach the quaffle. He held the ball tight and initiated his flight towards the Slytherin's hoops. Charlotte went after him, but she was not able to make any pressure on Jordan, for when she reached his side he had already passed the ball to Seth. Seth continued to make his way to Wallace's hoops. Malden blocked his way and Seth passed the quaffle back to Jordan, who then offered the red ball to Chloe. Chloe gained a few more meters, but she lost her focus when Slyvestor and Bran passed right next to her, already pursuing the snitch. Belinda wondered if the match would be over in a matter of minutes. Ignoring the seekers, Malden took advantage of Chloe's distraction to rip the quaffle from her arms, setting in motion a counter-attack by the Slytherin team. He passed the quaffle at Charlotte, and she then passed it to Belinda. The commentator meanwhile announced that the snitch pursuit ended.
Belinda wondered if Conrad was at the stands watching her. Logically he was a Quidditch player himself so he would probably be there. The question was if he had also come to see her playing. Belinda was determined to look good. She speeded up and was forced to zig zag in order to avoid a bludger sent by Noah, Charlotte's brother. She then passed the quaffle at Malden, when she felt that Jordan was right behind her. Malden approached Eileen's hoops but he was still far from a good scoring position. Charlotte shout announcing she was free. Malden passed her the quaffle. Belinda noticed Seth trying to intercept Malden's pass in the air, but he had to dodge at the last minute, when Asher sent a bludger in his direction. Charlotte caught the quaffle and tried to score. But Eileen was able to brush the red ball away with a dry punch. Belinda tried to grab the quaffle but Chloe did so first. Belinda went after her. Chloe passed the quaffle at Jordan, who then tried to pass it back to Chloe. That was when Belinda saw her window. She moved forward and stole the quaffle in the air. She aimed towards the right hoop and shot. But Eileen was able to grab the quaffle. Belinda flew away frustrated. Her sister was not giving her her the chance to shine in front of Conrad.
Eileen held the quaffle tight in her hands. She waited for the Ravenclaw chasers to gain position and then she offered the quaffle to Seth. She was glad she had been able to prevent her sister from scoring. Belinda had gone soft with her lately but she still didn't want to give her sister any excuse to tease her. Eileen also knew she had at least Patricia and Elmer supporting her today and she didn't want to disappoint her siblings. Patricia was a Ravenclaw and as Gryffindor Elmer preferred a Ravenclaw victory.
She watched as Seth escaped the critical hoop area, flying with elegance. Malden charged his body against him, his arm reaching for the quaffle. But Seth did not let go of it. The two chasers were almost tangled in a fight for the quaffle when not one but two bludgers interrupted their dynamics. One of the bludgers was sent by Kurt, meant to hit Malden, while the other one was sent by Douglas, Seth being his target. The chasers deviated from the two heavy balls, which ended up colliding with each other and then flew away to the ends of the each pitch, right towards each team's hoops. Jordan went into Seth's support and received the quaffle directly from his hands. Eileen was not able to see what happened next because she had to also get away from one of the bludgers. Later she saw Noah retrieving it.
Jordan was not able to advance much. Charlotte repeated Malden's moves and she was able to snatch the quaffle from Jordan. She offered the red ball to the Slytherin captain and he then passed it to Belinda, who was free. Eileen looked her sister in the eyes, trying to guess Belinda's intentions. Was she going to try and score, or would she pass the ball to another team mate? Belinda finally decided on the first option. She raised her arm and used all her strength in her shot. The ball came with a lot of power, tearing the sky. Eileen went into the quaffle's direction. She felt the ball touching her gloved hand, but she was not able to stop it.
"McCourt scores! Slytherin leads by 10."
Belinda smiled, Eileen frowned. The match proceeded, after Eileen passed the quaffle to Chloe.
(Noah and Charlotte) Cousin vs Cousin
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 01-27-19 08:20
Noah wished the sun would come out, because it was plenty cold and despite the layers he wore, he didn't feel warm at all. Unfortunately, the weather forecast predicted freezing rain mixed with snow. Noah's frozen fingers were crossed that the bad weather wouldn't come to pass, but the gray clouds in the sky were getting thicker by the minute.
He frowned when Belinda scored the first points of the match for Slytherin, but it was early yet, and things could certainly turn around. Then again, there had already been one snitch-sighting, so the match could end quickly and not in Ravenclaw's favor at all. Noah's frozen fingers were again crossed for a Ravenclaw victory.
Chloe had the quaffle now and held it tightly against her body. Noah spotted Asher steering a bludger in her direction and quickly wedged himself in between her and the black ball, redirecting it at Malden, who wore a fierce expression on his face and seemed determine to recover the ball for Slytherin. Malden dodged the bludger and then quickly resumed his position next to Chloe.
Chloe searched for an opening and passed to Seth, who immediately lobbed the ball at Jordan. Noah raced toward the other bludger, which Douglas had just struck, his intended target being Jordan. Noah wasn't close enough to intercept the bludger, but Kurt was on the spot to prevent Jordan from getting hit. He hit the ball at Charlotte, who braked so abruptly that she nearly lost control of her broomstick.
Charlotte scowled, upset to have her momentum disrupted but glad she hadn't fallen or gotten hit by the bludger. She picked up her speed and tore after Jordan and then Chloe, after the latter accepted the ball from her teammate. Chloe found herself hemmed in by Malden and Belinda and debated her next move, but before she could decide on what to do, a bludger sent everybody scattering. Nobody got hit, but in her distraction, Chloe lost the ball to Charlotte, who had sped towards her and lifted the quaffle straight from her arms.
Charlotte turned her broomstick around so fast that she swerved a bit before she managed to race for the opposite hoops. She flew as fast as her broomstick allowed and grunted when she felt a bludger hit her squarely between the shoulder blades, but she didn't lose her hold on the ball and nobody was near her to steal it. It was just her and Eileen, or so she thought because the other bludger suddenly sailed past Charlotte, head-on for Eileen. Eileen wavered for a split second and then instinct won out. She dodged the bludger, giving Charlotte an open opportunity to score. Moving her arm hurt her back, but Charlotte didn't let it stop her from throwing the ball through the hoop, bringing Slytherin up by 20 points.
In the stands, Lysander jumped to his feet and whooped loudly for his daughter and his old house team. He was alone at the match, having left the boys home with Astrid since he didn't want them out in the biting cold, especially if the weather turned bad as predicted.
He thought back to Bill's brief visit, during which he revealed that Qadir Adallah hadn't recognized him and Bill went along with the ruse, pretending to be a Weasley cousin from France. Knowing Lysander couldn't very well accompany Bill to the pub, since Qadir would most certainly recognize him, and not having time to come up with a proper disguise or a decent plan to eavesdrop on their conversation, Lysander sent Aunty Synn's house-elf to listen in on Qadir and "Ian".
Brudha reported back, and Bill confirmed as much when they later met, that Qadir's motives for being in Hogsmeade were just what Lysander and Bill suspected, though Qadir did not outright implicate himself. As Ian, Bill pretended to not be a big fan of himself in the hope of getting Qadir to admit his guilt, but Qadir didn't say anything that would be considered reasonable suspicion in the eyes of the law.
Bill tried to make himself seem like he would be a good buddy for Qadir, and Qadir seemed to think likewise. They made plans to meet for drinks again this evening.
Lysander didn't think the ruse could last long, though, so he hoped Bill could succeed in getting something worthwhile from Qadir tonight. Qadir didn't seem to be that stupid, and he would probably soon realize that he was being duped by the real Bill Weasley. After all, Bill really didn't look that drastically different in Lysander's opinion; just baby-faced enough to make for good teasing.
Qadir would be bound to notice that the real Bill was never around, or might see "Ian" enter Bill's house, the bank, or even the book shop to confer with Lysander. There was certainly great risk of seeing "Ian" around the village with Bill's wife and kids.
Tonight's meeting was set for The Hog's Head again, and Brudha would once again be there to report back on what Qadir had to say. With any luck after tonight, Lysander and Bill might be able to go straight to the Ministry of Magic with enough evidence to put Qadir behind bars.