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Needing a Fix
Author: Gerry
Date: 06-25-16 15:04
Perched on the edge of a barstool in the Commons, Gerry had his eyes on the doorway and his ears on the discussion Will was having with him about the Quidditch match between Hufflepuff and Slytherin scheduled for later that day. Will, who had gone to every single Quidditch match all season and who thought he knew all the players' strengths and handicaps, was telling Gerry who would win the match based on his analyses.
Only, Gerry wasn't really listening. He'd used up the last of his Smart Crystals and needed to buy more. Even though it was only Saturday and he probably wouldn't do much homework or studying till classes resumed on Monday, he really wanted to have some on hand in case he felt inspired to do some work. The stuff worked like a charm, and it was tasty too.
"Are you even hearing what I'm saying?" Will finally asked. He'd been so engrossed in his explanation that he'd hadn't noticed Gerry's distraction till that very moment.
"Huh? What?" Gerry asked, finally turning his head away from the doorway.
"Why are you looking at the door? Are you waiting for someone?" Will asked. Then he leaned forward and grinned. "Is it a girl?"
"What? No!" Gerry replied, but then he amended, "Well, maybe… but it's not what you think."
He turned his head back to the doorway and jiggled his leg impatiently. At last, a group of four entered the Commons and headed for the bar. Gerry swiveled around in his chair so that his body was turned in their direction. Fortunately, one of the girls in the group chose the barstool right next to his. Gerry waited while the house-elf on duty fixed them each chilled coffee or cocoa drinks. He wheezed slightly when he felt an elbow to his ribs.
Gerry turned to see Will grinning at him. Will obviously assumed that the much older girl seated next to Gerry was someone he had his eye on, no matter what Gerry had said just moments earlier.
"You all right?" asked the girl next to Gerry.
He whipped his head back around and nodded furiously. When she smiled at him, he whispered, "I need more."
The girl quirked her eyebrows up, looked around to make sure no one else was listening, and then asked, "You got the money?"
Gerry dug his hand into the pocket of his jeans, paused to look around, and froze when he saw the perplexed expression on Will's face.
"In the library after the match," whispered the girl, and then she and her friends left the bar for a table across the room.
"What," began Will, "was that all about?"
Gerry chewed his bottom lip and said in a rush under his breath, "I'vebeenbuyingsmartcrystals."
Will laughed out loud. "Seriously?"
Gerry furrowed his brow. "Why's that so funny?"
"Because it's a waste of money."
"How do you know? You haven't tried them," Gerry countered defensively.
"You're only a second year," Will said. "What do you need to be smart for?"
Gerry actually laughed at that. He thought for sure Will was implying that Smart Crystals were a scam or that maybe because he was only in his second year, he was getting a substitution instead of the real thing, which might get saved for the OWL and NEWT students who really needed it.
"You know why," Gerry finally said. "My parents are threatening to take me off the Quidditch team if I don't improve my marks."
"Speaking of Quidditch teams," Will said, and then he launched right back into his discussion on the two teams playing later that day.
Sentencing
Author: Travis
Date: 06-25-16 20:44
After a number of delays, including the defendant being hospitalized at St. Mungo's, Ogden Fitzmorris's trial got underway. The trial itself was short despite Ogden constantly interrupting to claim he has no uncle called Kellen and to profess his love for Travis and that he forgives her misguided effort to find who was behind the destruction and vandalism of her business. He was warned several times then magically silenced, allowed to speak only when required.
The bulk of the trial was the testimonies of Travis and Kellen with Ogden's barrister going on the attack but unable to do any real damage. The worst he was able to do was call into question why Ogden swears he has no paternal uncle named Kellen and to question why after years of no contact with family members Kellen chose to return to their lives by attempting to send his nephew to prison.
Ogden was found guilty and now the courtroom is hushed as the sentence is about to be given. As Travis hears, "Ogden Fitzmorris you are hereby sentenced to three years in Azkaban," she's both happy and let down. The sentence is on the shorter end of the possible time he could have been given.
A woman's sobbing filter's into her consciousness. Nova Fitzmorris. Despite the evidence presented, despite the testimony given, and even despite some incriminating statements given by Ogden himself, Nova believes her son innocent. She thinks all this is some sort of payback by her former brother-in-law for an argument Kellen had had with her and her then husband Keith.
Keith and his second wife haven't been happy about the accusations against Ogden and the ensuing trial but sadly for them by believe him fully capable of the charges against him.
Ogden is led protesting from the courtroom. Everyone else rises to leave. Just outside the courtroom doors Nova catches up with Travis, slapping her hard across the face. "To think I welcomed you as my future daughter-in-law."
Though her cheek is aflame Travis can't hold back the, "Ha! I was NEVER going to marry Ogden. That was Ogden's delusion but why you and my mother could never get that through your heads is beyond me."
Nova's hand comes up to slap Travis again only to be stopped by Keith. This leads to Nova turning on Keith and as Travis walks away Nova is ranting at Keith about his failings as a husband and a father.
A voice coming up beside her asks, "You all right?"
Travis slows as she answers, "I'm fine, Lisi. Were you here for the sentencing? I didn't see you?"
"No, though that had been my plan. Sorry."
Travis slows even more, sliding an arm around her sister in a hug. "Thank you and no need to apologize."
She looks around to see who else she might have missed but doesn't even see Kellen though he's around somewhere and disappointed that her mother, who'd practically had her walking down the aisle to marry Ogden, didn't come. Reaching the stairs she asks Lisi, "Have any plans for today? I know it's early still but I think I could use a drink."
It Takes Two
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 06-26-16 10:22
Madoc nervously waited in the entrance hall for his time to enter the Great Hall and take his apparition exam. He had successfully apparated dozens of times during the lessons, so passing today's test really shouldn't be a problem, but Madoc was afraid that nerves would get the better of him. He didn't want to fail, but if he did, then it probably wouldn't matter that much in the long run since it wasn't like he could apparate anywhere while at Hogwarts. If he had to retake the exam during the summer, then so be it. He'd rather earn his license today and get it out of the way, though.
While Madoc waited anxiously for his turn to take his apparition exam, Professor McGonagall sat in her office and conducted some work. In a little while, she'd head down to the Quidditch Pitch to watch the match between Hufflepuff and Slytherin.
She was in the middle of finalizing Fritz's proposal to offer scholarship money to one or two graduating seventh years, when there was a knock at her door.
"Enter!" Professor McGonagall called out.
The door opened and Andromeda Brycin entered. Being a sixth year, Andromeda had been enrolled in the apparition lessons but had dropped out last month after learning of her pregnancy.
Professor McGonagall put down her quill and gestured for Ms. Brycin to sit in the chair opposite her desk. Andromeda shuffled forward and sat down, first looking down at the clutched hands in her lap before she made eye contact with the Hogwarts headmistress.
"Professor…" she began, but then she hesitated.
Professor McGonagall waited silently. She wondered if Ms. Brycin were merely searching for the right words to use or if she wanted to change her mind about whatever had brought her to the office in the first place.
Andromeda tried again. "There's something I want to tell you," she finally managed. "It's about the father of my baby."
Professor McGonagall had wanted to know the identity of the boy responsible for the pregnancy so that he could receive the same punishment, it being not only deserved but also fair. It took two to tango, after all.
"Yes?" she asked.
Andromeda let out a deep sigh and then admitted, "The father of my baby is Kirby Fort."
"Thank you for your honesty, Ms. Brycin," Professor McGonagall said. "Why are you bringing this to my attention now? Were you pressured into keeping it secret?"
"No," Andromeda answered, but she didn't elaborate.
Professor McGonagall studied her for a long moment and then asked if Andromeda had anything else she wished to discuss. When Andromeda shook her head no, Professor McGonagall walked her out and then summoned Mr. Fort to her office.
He arrived about twenty minutes later, looking a bit concerned to have been called into the Headmistress' office on a Saturday of all days. His apparation exam had gone well, but the elation he felt at earning his license was deflating fast.
Professor McGonagall indicated to the seat recently vacated by Andromeda and explained to him why she summoned him to her office.
Kirby's face turned bright red from embarrassment. He couldn't believe he was having a sex talk with Professor McGonagall. He also couldn't believe that Andromeda had told on him. He knew she didn't care for him the same way he cared for her, but he didn't think she would get him in trouble with Professor McGonagall.
"I'm concerned that Ms. Brycin didn't confess right away because you frightened her into keeping silent. Was your… tryst… consensual?" Professor McGonagall asked. If it wasn't, then the situation was much more serious.
Kirby's jaw dropped and he blubbered, "What? I love her. I would never do anything to hurt her or force her into doing something she wouldn't want to do!"
That settled things, then. Kirby was a young man in love who'd let the wrong part of his anatomy make a decision that would irrevocably change his life.
Professor McGonagall said, "Ms. Brycin has been given the privilege of finishing out the school year, but she will not return for her seventh year. Given the circumstances, it is only right that you suffer the same consequences. I will write to your parents regarding the situation."
Kirby's face went from red to pale. "I'm expelled? My parents are going to kill me."
Professor McGonagall didn't feel very sympathetic. She allowed him to remain stunned in the chair and got out a clean sheet of parchment to write to Mr. and Mrs. Fort.
The Hog's Head
Author: S Snape
Date: 06-26-16 15:28
Severus stirs cream into his coffee. Veronica plays with the swizzle stick that came with her own drink. "Sure you don't want something stronger?"
"Rather early," is his short, not quite curt response.
"It's Saturday, Severus. I'd use the tired expression let down your hair but yours is down and somewhat shorter than I remember."
"Simply because today is Saturday does not negate the fact that it is somewhat early in the day. There is also the fact that Slytherin House is one of the teams playing in today's Hogwarts Quiddtch match. I will be in attendance and I do not think Headmistress McGonagall nor Deputy Headmaster Flitwick would take lightly my showing up after having imbibed something stronger."
Veronica makes a clucking noise. "So have a butterbeer."
"Coffee is sufficient." He takes a sip of the coffee then bluntly asks, "What do you want, Veronica?"
"I came to see my father and as long as I was going to be in Hogsmeade thought it would be nice to see you, perhaps talk about the charity event the Knights Walpurgis is sponsoring."
"We discussed the event at last week's meeting. What more is there to say at this juncture?"
"O'Brian is not as organized as some of us would like. We'd like you to take over the planning committee."
"What does O'Brian think of being displaced?"
"He doesn't know yet but when he's told he will step aside without fuss."
Aberforth approaches with a coffee pot. "Top you off, Severus?"
"I'm good for the moment but thank you."
Veronica excuses herself to go to the powder room. When she's out of sight Severus asks Aberforth, "What do you think of this Knights Walpurgis business?"
The older wizard frowns and tugs on his beard as in thought before replying. "I think there's more to the group than what Veronica is letting on. Why resurrect a group known for illicit activities and the use of the dark arts?"
Severus agrees. "If truly innocuous and wishing to be viewed as philanthropic, rebranding would be in order. Why keep a name with negative connotations?"
Aberforth tugs his beard again then wordlessly moves to another table to see to other customers while Severus ponders the brief exchange with him until Veronica returns, eager to convince Severus into agreeing to take over the planning committee.
Questions (Jade)
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 06-27-16 19:26
Jade pauses in the doorway of the Commons. She locates Baron, who took the apparition lessons but isn't yet eligible for a license, sitting with his youngest brother, Cornington. As she approaches she wonders why Cornington doesn't go by his middle name, Geoffrey, since his first name doesn't shorten well like Baron's and Leo's do.
Seeing her Baron stands, giving her a questioning look. She frowns at first then smiles. "I am licensed to apparate."
Cornington voices congratulations while Baron goes for the hug and, with so many others around, a somewhat chaste kiss on the cheek. "Excellent! We'll celebrate after the match. What about Hunter?"
"He passed too. He's off now seeing if he can find Hope Hyland before the match."
"Why's he looking for Hope?"
"As of today Hope is Hunter's current crush. He wants to offer to help her with OWL prep after the game."
"Speaking of the game, I should start to the pitch."
"I'll walk with you."
Cornington hops up to go as well. As his house is the one playing against Baron's he doesn't want to miss any of the action. Before they leave the Commons Cornington and Jade grab drinks to take with them to the pitch. After a second's hesitation they also get snacks to munch on the way. Baron eyes them both, not getting his own drink but does accept a sip from Jade.
As they walk they talk of the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend, Cornington expressing a desire to find some way to sneak into the village that day. They also talk of how fast the end of school is approaching and how soon final exams will be upon them. Cornington makes a face at the thought then asks Jade, "Are you going to marry my brother?"
Jade laughs. Baron protests, "Cornington!"
Jade waves a hand. "No, it's all right. Cornington, we still have this school year to finish and then Baron and I have another. I like Baron a lot and I know he likes me but it's too soon to tell. For all we know, by the time summer's over we'll be seeing other people."
The younger boy mulls this over only to then ask, "So you're breaking up with him?" Baron colors at hearing the question.
Jade laughs again and once more waves a hand. "No, no, that's not what I meant. I meant we're young and have no idea what's ahead. Who knows, maybe someday I will be married to Minister of Magic Barontaine Marchbanks but maybe I won't. We'll see how this relationship progresses."
Seemingly satisfied and aware of Baron's warning glare Cornington changes the topic back to Hogsmeade weekend, asking if they'll bring him back some sweets.
Thank you, Phin, for the input on Baron and Cornington to make this post possible.