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Low Energy Day But Still Fun
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 04-08-12 20:09
Repressing a yawn, Viktor runs a hand down his face. He has no idea why he's so tired today. He's been sleeping relatively well, he's not sick nor does he feel as if something is coming on, and he's not been doing anything this week that's more physically demanding than his normal routine. Must be one of those low energy days that happens from time to time. Too bad it had to come when he had a commitment and not when he could laze around the house. He could very well have asked Pyrrhus to handle Career Day alone but Viktor very much enjoys talking Quidditch with those equally enthusiastic about the sport.
Though both Pyrrhus and he are part of the Hogsmeade Humbatas franchise they are also representing the British and Irish Quidditch League, as well as professional Quidditch in general. All day today they've talked the realities of how many try out for professional Quidditch teams versus how many actually make it.
There have been questions about what Viktor and Pyrrhus know of some of the proposed changes to some of the rules, such as allowing a limited number of substitutions.
Viktor has talked endlessly about the qualities and abilities of some of the new up and comers in the sport and how they compare to current and former well known players.
They've discussed who looks the most promising to win various tournaments and cups.
All in all it's been a very enjoyable day. Viktor just wishes he'd not had the urge much of it to curl up and take a nap.
Pyrrhus and he have a number of popular items from all the teams in the league and from the British and Irish Quidditch League organization. There are buttons, hats, shirts, official game gear, and even a few balls. Students may also sign up for several drawings for brooms, complete uniforms, complete game ball sets, tickets to the next Quidditch Con, and - best of all he's been told - slots for one day, three day, and week long sports camps with a professional team.
Deciding he's due for another heavily caffeinated beverage, Viktor tells Py he'll be right back. Mug in hand, he debates whether he wants coffee or if tea, veering over to the Botanicals & Beyond table to ask Travis Ravenclaw what the most caffeinate drink is currently available in the Great Hall.
Miss Nutt
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 04-08-12 22:06
Indigo McFusty and Coco are both working Career Day. Two aren't necessary but it's certainly nice to have always have someone at the table when the other wants to take a break or even just take a minute to go get something from the food tables or check out some of the other booths. Indigo is doing just that at the moment, visiting his sister's table to get a scoop of ice cream.
No one's at the table wanting information or with questions so Coco is reading through some research for a paper due in two weeks. When someone does come up, she sets the work aside, a ready smile on her lips.
"Hi, enjoying Career Day?"
"Yeah, it's been nice. I've gotten loads of cool stuff and the food samples are so good. How about you, Miss Nutt?"
"Since when have I been Miss Nutt to you, Carlotta Calloway?"
"Oh, you know, you're older and out of school now, and here professionally." Carlotta's tone is serious but her grin is cheeky. She looks across to where Fritz is working the table for J. Pippin's Potions. "You two still dating?"
"We are. In fact, we're going out after we leave here this evening."
"You are so much easier to understand than when I first started here but I do miss all your slang."
"Oi kin still talk loike this crackin' well. Oi've jes bin workin' on me dikshun fer me work."
Carlotta laughs, "I can't believe I've missed that, and your blue hair."
Someone else comes to the table, looking over the display so Carlotta says, "I won't keep you, just wanted to say hello to one of the most memorable Ravenclaws there ever was."
"Good to see you, Carlotta. Thanks for stopping by." Taking the few steps over to the new arrival, Coco offers her friendly smile and repeats the greeting she'd given Carlotta, "Hi, enjoying Career Day?"
Speaking With Catriona
Author: Fionna
Date: 04-09-12 14:10
Looking up as she puts out more sign-up forms for the TerrorTours drawing for three three-day excursions Fionna smiles as her cousin Catriona Amhurst sets a mug of hot chocolate with a rich aroma on the table. "Thanks."
"My pleasure."
"Did your mum mention yet about a possible trip over your Easter hols?"
"No, where to?"
"Either St. Petersburg or the Grenadines."
"Huge difference."
"Very. TerrorTours has finally decided to open a sister business offering other sorts of vacation packages. People are needed to try out a few things, help us smooth out the wrinkles, give us input, that sort of thing. I'll know more in a few more weeks which place you'll be going if Aunt Blair decides to accept."
"I'd like to visit either place so I hope she does."
"Even if it means maybe being cooped up with Willem?"
"They were on the outs again the letter I had from Mum yesterday. Leslie and I are hoping Mum will finally call it quits. Sad, really, when Willem was so nice at first and Mum was so happy."
"I can't say I'd be overly upset not to have him as my uncle any longer."
Two girls Cat recognizes as Gryffindors come over to put their names in for the drawing and to ask Fionna about the travel and tourism industry. She asks, "You need anything else for now?"
"If you don't mind, maybe something sweet?"
"Back in a few then."
"Thanks, Cat."
With a nod, Cat leaves Fionna to answer questions, walking towards the Briar's Bakery booth to see what offerings Briar Rose currently has out that Fionna might like.
A Little Help
Author: Mildred
Date: 04-09-12 14:23
Too young to think about having a career Mildred decided to spend the Saturday at the library doing homework, instead of going to the Great Hall for the Career day. As the end of the day approached the library was getting empty and both Amelia and Melpomene who had been doing homework together with Mildred had already returned to the Gryffindor common room. She took a glance at a group of first year Ravenclaws a few tables away.
Sometimes she wondered if they wouldn't mind if she joined them. They seemed so dedicated when it came to homework and even excited about it. But she was too shy to just go there and ask, even if she had classes with them.
She flipped the page of her Potions' text book and wrote the final lines of her essay in her scroll. She re read her work and pleased with it, she let the ink dry as she gathered all her books, notes and quills and put them inside her bag. Mildred then stood up and left the library, after waving a goodbye to Miss Bramble. Just yesterday she had recommended a book to Mildred on wizarding chess that she was finding fascinating. She had even taken some notes of some special moves that she could use against Achilles the next time they played against each other.
As she walked she sensed heavy steps behind her. At first Mildred thought it was Peeves but then she realized that poltergeists didn't walk. She turned to the left and so did her stalker. Or stalkers, because she was able to detect two people from the corner of her eye.
"Don't run away from us Campbell. I thought Gryffindors were supposed to be brave."
Mildred recognized Horace Quisenberry's voice. She guessed he was accompanied by his friend Maurice Kilman. Horace and Maurice were first years just like Mildred and they were both in the Slytherin house. They did not waste any moment to tease the Gryffindor House whenever they could and Achilles had been this close to punch Maurice in the face if Wesley hasn't been there to stop him. Mildred was not eager to face them and so she kept walking, hoping once she reached the Fat Lady portrait they would leave her alone. But the boys didn't give up with ease.
"We just need a favor from you, that's all. Stop ignoring us, we know you can hear us."
They had seemed to lost their patience because they surrounded her by the sides. They were both taller than her and Mildred noticed Maurice had taken his wand from his pocket and he was pointing it at her. She stopped and asked them what did they want.
"We saw you doing your Potions essay in the library. We would like to consult it."
"You mean you would like to copy it," Mildred corrected Maurice.
"Shows us the homework," Horace insisted.
"No!" Mildred turned around, ready to walk away, but one of the boys had pulled her bag and after a ripping sound, books, scrolls and quills were spread on the floor. Black ink stained the carpet and Mildred was sure that would leave Filch mad. The two Slytherin boys did not waste time and tried to find the Potions essay among the scrolls.
"I got it Maurice!" Horace said, raising the scroll in triumph.
"Give that back, it's mine!" Mildred protested.
Horace and Maurice were preparing to run away with her essay when someone asked:
"What is going on here?"
Mildred raised her head to find a tall Slyhterin girl with red hair and her hands on her hips, looking to her two house colleagues in fury and perhaps disgust. By her size Mildred concluded she might on the 6th or 7th. She didn't have a prefect badge, however Mildred thought that by the way she was lecturing Horace and Maurice she should deserve one.
"How dare you to dishonor the Slytherin house by stealing homework from someone else? Aren't you ashamed? You shouldn't be lazy and do homework by yourself. If I could I would remove 50 points to each of you. You're lucky I don't have my prefect friend here or I would ask him to do so."
The girl used her wand to clean the carpet, fix Mildred's bag and put all her things back inside. Maurice and Horace looked down ashamed and they were even more humiliating when the older girl made them apologize to Mildred. She even added that if they bothered her again she should come to speak with her, Phyllida Spore, so she would lecture those two boys again.
Mildred thanked Phyllida and she went to the Gryffindor common room eager to tell her friends about this episode.
Two Boring Guys
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 04-09-12 15:08
In those free moments when not causing young girls to grow weak kneed and faint from the mere sight of him taking off his wool jumper Lysander has been discussing with Julian some of the renovations they're going to make to the upstairs flats. Julian has definitely decided to move, putting in an offer on one of the houses in Hogsmeade. It's an older house that was completed redone six months ago. Since then it has sat vacant because the owner put too high a price on it and was not willing to come down even a little. He would not even consider renting it out, earning income off it in the meantime. Finally facing the reality that after six months if gathering dust, he told the realtor he'd consider lower offers. With five decent sized bedrooms and a large master suite, along with an excellent yard, and its location there in Hogsmeade, a large family room with a dark beamed vaulted ceiling and a nicely appointed kitchen, Julian hopes the man and he can come to an agreement.
Settling onto the corner of one of the tables, eyes roving over the still busy Great Hall, Julian remarks, "We have become boring, Lysander. It's Saturday and our plans for the evening are to retrieve our children from my mum's and go home for a night in."
"You still have a somewhat active love life, even if nothing is planned tonight."
"I wouldn't call that love exactly," Julian smirks.
"What would I know? I was with Chyler all those years, here at school and after. Since Chyler there haven't been many and some of them were colossal mistakes. Astrid has been the only real, long term relationship."
"But not all that healthy."
Lysander looks as though he might argue but ends up frowning in a way that Julian is sure any of Lysander's fan girls looking on right night would call it a smoldering stare. Rather than denying something he knows is true Lysander chooses to deflect. "At least I don't have Lisette constantly asking me why I haven't gotten married yet and do I need help finding someone."
Julian smirks again. "I could put a bug in her ear about how wouldn't it be swell if you had a nice girl to settle down with and give Charlotte a new mum."
Lysander refrains from sticking his tongue out at Julian, barely. "No one says swell anymore. Maybe it's time I spilled hot coffee or soup or something on you so you will have to peel off your shirt like that one boy had to do earlier. All the girls will get a look at that washboard you call a stomach and come running over to talk to you, leaving me in peace for a change."
It's Julian's turn to scowl but he says nothing, knowing all too well Lysander would actually do that, and grin the whole time. Then again, Julian would too.
This line of conversation and that of renovations is put on hold when two girls who've already been to the table three or four times already stop by to chat more, the two men suddenly both having urges to start snickering like preteen boys, made all the worse each time they catch the other's eye.
All The Single Ladies
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 04-09-12 15:50
Observing yet again Viktor's sleepy countenance Pyrrhus asks, "Are you sure you don't want to go ahead? Career Day is nearly over."
Viktor waves Py off. "I'm fine. I've stuck it out this long."
"You're sure you aren't coming down with something?"
"I'm not positive, no. I don't feel like I am. I'm just extremely tired."
"That run down feeling often goes with colds and flus."
"I know. I've no plans this evening so from here I'm going straight home."
"The only time you ever have evening plans lately is if the team has a match or evening practice scheduled. You don't do anything or go anywhere that isn't related to the the shoppe, the Humbatas, or is league related business like an owners' meeting."
"I don't have much time for anything else."
"Don't make me call you a liar with those nice miniature students right there to possibly hear."
"Miniature students?"
"Ickle first or second years by the looks of them, here today mainly to get as much swag as they can and to sign names in for the various drawings."
"One of them could be contemplating a career as a professional Quidditch player or have questions about how to get into coaching."
"They all also want to be rock stars and heroic Aurors who save the world a la Harry Potter. They're eleven and twelve. Some might very well know what they want to be already but most don't. You are just trying to change the subject away from your lack of a real social life."
"I have little time these days to meet women."
"You'd have lines of them city blocks long if word got out you are looking. He..," noticing one of those miniature students close enough to hear him, Py mindfully changes the hell to, "Heck, you've two or three single, avialable women right here at Hogwarts."
Viktor gets busy handing out entry slips for the miniature students to fill out for the various drawings this booth is having soon.
"Let's see, there's that Astronomy teacher," Py searches his mind for the name he knows from his sister. "Illyria. There's Kissy Isuki."
The nearest miniature student helpfully adds, "Lower years History of Magic professor Karma Davyd."
"Thank you." Py winks at the student and hands over an autographed Humbatas jersey. "Azaelia isn't married but she's in a serious relationship so I'm not counting her."
The other miniature students looks to the shirt his friend has just recieved. "Professor Fairchild is single I think, but maybe she's got a boyfriend. Ooh, ooh, but Professor McGonagall is available."
Laughing now, Pyrrhus hands him an autographed jersey as well before giving Viktor a devilish smile. "Minivera McGonagall. Want me to find out for you if she likes younger men."
Viktor makes a face at Py and the two miniature students. "I hope I am coming down with the flu and have given it to you all."
Viktor grabs up his mug to go get a coffee refill. Still laughing Pyrrhus hands the two miniature students vouchers to redeem for Humbatas tickets. "Thank you both for helping make this day so much better."
Two Girls and their Grandfather
Author: Griet
Date: 04-09-12 18:28
"I don't know what he sees in you."
The comment came from Cornelia, who had just come up beside Aleydis at one of the food booths in the Great Hall. Career Day was nearing its end, and all the vendors were started to hand out freebies more generously. The snack tables were looking a bit bare.
"What?" Aleydis asked, turning to her older sister. They used to never talk while at school, mostly because Cornelia loathed the fact that Aleydis had gotten sorted into Hufflepuff, but lately things had been a bit different. Aleydis knew it had to do with Griet not being at Hogwarts anymore. Cornelia was lonely and latched onto Aleydis because she didn't seem to have anyone else.
"Basil," Cornelia answered, turning her nose up into the air.
Aleydis shrugged. "To be honest, I don't either. There are plenty of prettier Slytherin girls out there for him to choose from."
"He couldn't keep his eyes off of you when he was in here earlier. It was revolting, really."
Aleydis shrugged again, ignoring Cornelia's insults because she knew she didn't mean any of it, or perhaps only meant it a tiny bit. "It's a shame, if you ask me. He's not a very nice person, but he's not bad looking and I had no idea he had a six pack. Did you see when he took his shirt off today?"
Cornelia raised her eyebrows. "So are you saying you'd go out with him if he were nicer?"
"Well, I don't know about that. I don't even really know him, and what I do know about him doesn't seem to be good. Can he even be nice?" Aleydis questioned. If anybody knew, then it might be Cornelia.
"I guess."
"You don't sound too sure." Movement across the room caught Aleydis' eye. "Oh, grandfather is waving us over. We should go see what he wants."
The topic of Basil was suspended for the moment. They crossed the room and stopped before the St. Mungo's table, which was run by somebody related by marriage to Professor Jones and the girls' grandfather Reynier Vanderbilt, who was the head healer on the creature-induced injuries level at the wizarding hospital.
"You girls have exams at the end of term. I hope you've been studying hard."
"Yes, grandfather," Aleydis and Cornelia said in unison.
"I expect you to get no less than Exceeds Expectations in all your subjects, but Outstandings are much preferred."
"Yes, grandfather."
This went on for quite some time, but eventually Reynier released his grandchildren and turned his attention to some of the last students to visit his table.
How Am I Still Hungry? (Indigo)
Author: Travis
Date: 04-09-12 18:37
"This day has gone by fast," Indigo notes, straightening a stack of the remaining brochures on the Animal/Veterinary Healing degree offered by St. Emrys's Marjoribanks College. Indi's got brochures on a few other programs around the globe and he's got one booklet on going the apprentice route. There are pamphlets on the types of employment opportunities in the field.
Tidying up around the box for some McFusty's Pets gift certificates, Coco looks over her shoulder at him. "I know. I hardly seems like lunch ended and here it is nearly time to pack up."
"I've munched all day, at a decent sized lunch, and yet I'm starting to feel hungry again. I hope Zabrynna's picking a good place tonight. If we go out to eat, we take turns picking the restaurant."
"Still being 'just friends'?" Coco asks, making air quotes around just friends.
"Yeah, because that's all we are. I don't like her like that and besides, she's not over someone else. Hi! Interesting in veterinary care?"
Indigo judges the girl who's just come up to be thirteen to fourteen. "I'm not sure. Maybe. I do like most animals but I've never actually had a pet."
"Not allowed?"
"Up until last year, no. My dad's mum lived with us for several years and she doesn't like having pets in the house but my mum didn't want to have one that was strictly outside."
"And now?"
"Gran and a friend got a flat together in November. I think Mum and Dad would be open to the idea now but with me here I don't want them picking out a kitten or puppy without me. You know, in case it want a cat here at school with me. Maybe when I'm home for spring holiday I'll bring it up."
"Be sure to sign up for a gift certificate drawing. If you win, you could put it toward pet supplies or even a check up."
"I'll do that, thanks."
Indi hands her a gift bag for visiting the table then she moves a few steps down to where the entry forms are. He gets a whiff of something spicy, which gets him to thinking about food again. "Back in a minute, Coco, I'm going to grab another bite to eat."
Making the Rounds
Author: Ella
Date: 04-09-12 18:50
Ella and Francis had made several trips to the Great Hall throughout the day. Both were graduating this year, and while Ella had plans to attend St. Emrys University after Hogwarts, she still didn't have any idea what she wanted to do after that. A lot of the visitors were the same from previous years, but this year there were many new witches and wizards peddling other careers at Hogwarts too.
Ella spent a great deal of time picking up informational flyers and listening to the presenters talk about the different careers. She asked questions here and there but mostly just listened in on answers to questions other students asked. Francis kept her company even though he already had a good idea what he wanted to do after he graduated from St. Emrys.
As she walked around, she tried not too think about last year's Career Day. Then, both of her parents had been visiting. Dunstan was a solicitor for the Ministry of Magic's Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Before her death, Rosemary had been a nurse at St. Mungo's.
Last year, the tension between the two parents had been high. They'd been divorced a year already and Dunstan had already gotten remarried and was expecting a child with his new wife. He and Ella had gotten into a terrible argument right there in the Great Hall.
At least things were better between them now, though she wished with all her heart that her mother could be there too.
She and Francis had just come back to the Great Hall after studying in the library to see off Dunstan before he left for the day. He was in a rather cheerful mood.
"I was hoping I'd see you again before I left. Did you get much studying done?"
"Tons, but I don't think I'll ever be ready for the N.E.W.T.s," Ella said with a frown.
Dunstan chucked. "I felt the same way when I was your age. Don't worry. As long as you keep up with your studies, you'll do fine. I promise."
"I hope so."
"Oh, there is something I wanted to tell you, Ella," Dunstan said. "I can't believe I almost forgot."
For some reason dread welled up in the pit of her stomach. Her dad was dating somebody new. Or maybe he had gotten engaged. Or maybe there was going to be another baby Harville in the near future?
"Toto, the dog from the play you wanted?"
"Yeah?" Ella asked, feeling better already.
"You know Indigo MacFusty's been holding onto it since the play, since he knew you were interested? Well, when I spoke to him earlier, I told him that I would stop by the shoppe this evening and pick up the dog for you. He'll stay with me while you're at Hogwarts…"
Ella's eyes lit up and she threw herself into her dad's arms. "Thank you thank you thank you!" she exclaimed.
Dunstan laughed. "You're welcome."