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(Patricia & Belinda) Ambitious & Bold
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 01-11-20 10:55
"Burger Wizard? Really?" Patricia asked Tom, as she watched Anderson Acker at Burger Wizard's booth. He was talking to a witch named Doris Wiggum and she offered him what it seemed to be an application form. "Such lack of ambition…I don't want to have a boyfriend working at a fast food restaurant,"she lamented herself.
"If you want an ambitious date, you should definitely try a Slytherin. Or a Ravenclaw. You're not yet compromised with Acker, so it's not too late."
"He asked me to go the Sweethearts Dance with him and he is Anderson," Patricia said, in that purr manner. "That is already sort of a compromise."
The two friends walked around the Great Hall together, visiting each booth, and trying to make sure none was left behind. Tom was particularly interested in the real estate area, and he spent almost twenty minutes speaking with the representative of Davie & Llewellyn, Connie Copperpot. As he did so, Patricia was able to recognize the witch from E.L.M and Wizards Undertakers and Embalmers who Tom had gotten attracted to last year.
"I've got some bad news," she told him, after he left Mrs. Copperpot's booth."Do you remember Aleydis Vanderbilt, from that funerary last year?"
"How could I forget?"
"It seems she got married. She is presenting herself as Aleydis Wynbourne now."
They continued their tour around the Great Hall. Just like the year before Patricia was not able to identify herself with any professional career path represented at the Career Day. Before it wasn't very harmless but now she knew some of her colleagues where already considering summer internships in order to get an advance for next year when they graduated, in whatever areas they wanted to pursuit. They would also be working on earning skills that would allow them to follow the careers they wanted to. She was starting to feel she was being left behind as she didn't really had a dream job and she wasn't able to imagine herself doing anything. There was St. Emrys of course, but she couldn't even pick a course.
"It's funny that you were complaining about Acker's lack of ambition. But the truth is he went straight to that Burger Wizard booth, talked to the lady and got what he wanted. You on the other hand, seem to be the one without any idea of what you want for your future. Acker seemed pretty focused on what he wanted. Maybe he's not the less ambitious of you both."
Patricia didn't had anything to tell Tom because she knew he was right. It seemed like she had no calling, whatsoever. Maybe she was meant to be like Sophie, marry early, and be supported by her husband. And yet such idea horrified her.
The two Ravenclaws left the Great Hall the moment Belinda was entering, accompanied by some of her Slytherin friends. Truth to be told she did not care about Career Day at all, but as a fifth year she knew people would question her if they didn't see her there. She was going to have her OWLs this year and it was important to understand which grades she needed to achieve in order to take some particular career paths.
Unlike Patricia, Belinda had a very clear idea of what she wanted for her future. She wanted to graduate from Hogwarts and earn her Dark Mark. She even thought that maybe, she could drop out school once she turned seventeen to haste such process, but that would for sure raise alarms among her family and teachers. She wanted to meet Lord Voldemort and become a Death Eater. She was still waiting on Maurice's approval about her idea for a Team Delta Echo's intervention at Hogwarts. She was hoping he would give her some feedback on the next Hogsmeade trip.
She spotted Titus Nott at one of the booths, representing Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. She had a million of questions for him. She wanted to know if he knew about Malden. Belinda still saw him as her leader, the one who introduced her to the Team in the first place, and she hoped he was safe and sound. Unfortunately she couldn't interrogate Titus, but there was something else she could do. She ran to the dungeons, to her dormitory and back to the Great Hall. She went straight to Titus who wasn't speaking to anyone. Before he could start talking about ice-creams she placed the box containing the choker Maurice had offered her on her birthday over the table.
"Please give this to Maurice," she asked.
She had been thrilled when he had given her such birthday gift, but she was afraid Conrad would find out. The other day she had caught Julia Vernon looking at it, and she had the feeling her friend wasn't very convinced it had been a gift from Sophie, especially after Patricia's birthday, when she did not receive such jewel from her. It was better not to take risks.
Titus shot her a furious glance from his single eye, but before he could reprehend her for such a bold act in a public place, Belinda walked away, back to her friends. She continued to visit several booths with them, pretending to take an interest in some of the presented career options.
Healer, Apothecary, Obliviator, Editor
Author: Illyria
Date: 01-11-20 18:24
Quinctilius Crumm had participated in Career Day at Hogwarts numerous times, but this year was the first that his eldest daughter would be among the students visiting the Great Hall. Being only a first year student, Alexandra didn't need to worry about deciding what she wanted to do after Hogwarts, but Quin had a feeling she would check things out anyway––or at the very least, stop by to say hello.
As usual, Quin ran one of the St. Mungo's tables. Sometimes he had a partner at Career Day, but not today. He had with him information about the various healing specialities, including his own: Potion and Plant Poisoning.
His wife Arsinoe was at the other St. Mungo's table, only she represented the apothecary field. She was also extra excited to be at Hogwarts, now that her daughter was a student there.
At another nearby table, Olympia Haltwhistle listened while her partner and fellow obliviator, Cameron Weatherby, told an interested student about the type of work they did. Only yesterday, Olympia had been involved in a situation she thought it best she didn't share with young impressionable minds, though it made for an amusing story among adults.
She had been called out to deal with the aftermath of a wizard's crude graffito on the wall of a Muggle building. The graffito was animated and explicit in nature, and it not only baffled but also shocked the Muggles who had stumbled upon it. Olympia might almost say that it shocked her too.
Her sister Erigone Bones was at one of the tables promoting the media arts. She was an editor for Magical Style Magazine. She had with her a stack of old and current magazines, as well as a trifold upon which she displayed fashion photography and some of the more notable articles from the magazine.
It was to Erigone's table that Alexandra went first, and it was also to Erigone's table that Illyria first wandered when she entered the Great Hall to see what was old and new at Career Day.
Notts at Career Day
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 01-12-20 03:17
Titus quickly collected the box delivered by Belinda and put it away. He couldn't believe how foolish she had been. Luckily no one had been watching them, but she had taken a big risk.
His booth was becoming somewhat popular not because the students were interested in a career in the frozen desserts area but because he was offering ice-cream to those who stopped by. That also helped the people to approach, as Titus was aware he was not the most charming creature in the room, with his eyepatch under his glasses. It was warm inside the Great Hall and Titus made sure the sleeves of his working robes were rolled up. They revealed his naked forearms, where there was no sign of a Dark Mark. He hoped people would remember that detail later, including some aurors that were patrolling the Great Hall. Titus did his best to memorize their faces so he could later report back to Maurice and Kilgore on what and who he had seen.
He spotted Professor Kent wondering around the booths. Titus sort of hoped he would stop by so he could have the chance to ask him about Arielle. He had no news from her since she broke things off with him that day at Diagon Alley. But then perhaps it was for the better if he did not speak with her ex-girlfriend's father. Arielle had rejected him and anger often festered his memories when he thought about her. In the past he had been insecure about joining the Death Eaters, but when Arielle broke up with him she involuntarily pushed him into their welcoming arms. He simply had no reasons for changing sides now.
Tiberius approached Titus when there wasn't anyone around. The two brothers spoke for a while and they decided to have dinner at Hogsmeade later after Career Day was over so they could catch up. Tiberius was about to leave his brother when he saw Caligula.
"See that boy over there?" Tiberius asked Titus.
"Which one?"
"The blonde one, next to Devi Linguistic Services' booth, with a burgundy sweater. "
"Yes. What about him?"
"His name is Caligula Nott. He is a first year."
"A relative?" Titus asked, studying the boy with more interest.
"I don't know. I've never heard about him. I have been trying to find out exactly who he is but I am his teacher, and it would be improper to go further. His mother took money from my Gringotts bank account to get his school supplies. I want to check the school records to see who his parents are but I can't without a valid reason. With the security in the castle, it would look suspicious if they saw me going around the archives for no reason. My hands are tied."
"He could be your son," Titus mocked.
"Highly unlikely," Tiberius replied.
"But not impossible," Titus teased again. He was sensing that Tiberius was not enjoying the joke and so he changed his tone. "Let me lure him here, and see what I can find out."
Tiberius nodded and walked away to give his brother some space.
Caligula had come to Career Day out of curiosity. Of course he was very far from having to choose a job or career, but he wasn't going to miss the chance to look around and learn about what was out there. Alexandra mentioned some of her family was going to be there, including her mother. Caligula was glad his mother wasn't here. He was afraid people would tease him if they learned what she did for a living. His mother worked in a dry cleaning shop. She cleaned other people's robes and sometimes she also mended them when needed. Since it was just the two of them, with no other family provider, they lived humbly. Caligula had been surprised when his mother could afford him all of Hogwarts school supplies without needing to visit a single second handed shop. He grew up hearing stories about his family and how the Notts lived in opulence and luxury, but the truth was he and his mother were poor. However she had firmly instructed him not to share that with his colleagues and to pretend he came from a rich household.
An one eyed man was making him a sign for him to approach his booth. He was from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. They had given free ice-creams a while back at Hogwarts.
"Hey, care for an ice-cream?" The young man asked.
"No thank you," Caligula said.
"You must be the first person in this castle to refuse free ice-cream. You have to tell me your name," Titus joked, trying to make him feel comfortable. He was trying to see if he could find any physical similarities between the boy and his brother.
"Caligula Nott. But people call me 'Cal'."
"Cal Nott," Titus repeated "What house are you in?"
"Ravenclaw. But I should have been in Slytherin, " Caligula quickly added. "My mother says it was a set up by Headmistress McGonagall. I am sure you are aware of my family's history."
Titus nodded and thought You have no idea how.
"And how about your father? What does he think about Ravenclaw."
Caligula shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know. He's not around. Thank you for the ice-cream anyway," he said and he left.
Titus watched Caligula walking away and couldn't help wondering if he was looking at his nephew.
Vanderbilts Plus
Author: Griet
Date: 01-12-20 08:33
Ramona was all smiles while she manned the Comet Trading Company booth at the Hogwarts Career Day. As of last month, she was officially a junior designer for the company. The promotion had been a long time coming, but Ramona's patience had certainly paid off.
She had a very crowded display on her table. There were examples of older Comet models, as well as the prototype for the Comet 300, set to be released this summer. Ramona had had a hand in designing it and was quite proud of her work. In fact, one lucky visitor to her table would win the new broomstick in a drawing. The raffle was just one of the reasons why her booth was among the more popular ones in the Great Hall.
Ramona's cousin Franciscus was at Career Day as a representative for the very first time. Although his table wasn't nearly as popular, the spill over from Ramona's and the fact that he also had some broomsticks on display certainly helped him receive visitors. Franciscus was at Career Day to discuss the field of broomstick repair on behalf of Flite-Rite.
It was a bit weird being back at Hogwarts and at Career Day as an adult rather than a student. Franciscus recognized some of the older students, especially those with whom he had played Quidditch. It was also strange socializing with his old professors as if they were on equal terms.
Another popular table was that of Ramona's cousin Cornelia. Cornelia worked as a recovery agent at Frost Fugitive Recovery Agency, though she was technically still on maternity leave. She wasn't supposed to be at Career Day today, but when the company nearly pulled out of participating because many of the employees had come down with the flu, Cornelia agreed to take time away from her newborn to help.
Baby Cleo had been born before Christmas. She was a terribly fussy baby, and the running joke was that she was Cornelia's daughter through and through. In truth, Cornelia was a bit glad for a break from the infant, though as the day wore on, she found that she missed Cleo more and more.
Cousin Aleydis was at the neighboring table. Because the topic of her booth was somewhat macabre in nature, it had some draw. Aleydis didn't have any photographs of dead people or anything, so there wasn't anything visual to satisfy the morbid curiosities of the students, but she had plenty of information to share and a few stories as well.
Aleydis and Basil were currently living together in a flat, but they were looking to buy a home. In their free time, they went around with realtors, but so far they hadn't yet found their dream house. Aleydis very much loved the scenic views from their African honeymoon, so in her mind, she pictured a house on a large stretch of land with an oceanview.
Griet, meanwhile, was no longer on maternity leave. She had returned to work after the start of the new year, just in time to participate in Career Day again. Her table wasn't one of the more popular ones, but she managed to lure a few students over who were curious about what an 'exit liaison' did for a living.
It being a Saturday, Valentijn was at home with Gerrit, but during the week when both of them worked, a nanny the couple hired looked after the infant boy. So far, the arrangement was working out well.
At a much more busier table was Sadie. She, along with Ginny Potter, represented the British and Irish Quidditch League. Often, it was the professional Quidditch players who participated in Career Day. This year, coaching was also represented. Sadie was an assistant coach with the Salisbury Snakes. She loved her job and had a lot to tell students who might be interested in Quidditch but not as a player.
Sadie was very excited about the upcoming Quidditch World Cup. She and Hunter already had tickets to attend the opening ceremony in the Patagonian desert. While in Argentina, they planned on visiting the Perito Moreno glacier and Tierra del Fuego, from where would depart on a cruise to Antarctica. The trip was costly, but they'd been saving every knut to take it.
Both of the Flaversham children decided to check out Career Day, not necessarily because they felt a need to determine their future careers, but because they were curious and had heard about giveaways such as the broomstick raffle. Festus went around with Gavin, while Fulvia wandered about on her own. Festus was too young to think about asking a girl to the Valentine's Day dance, but Fulvia longed for someone to ask her. Boys were tripping over themselves to ask Mira to the dance, which made Fulvia somewhat jealous. Of course, she had standards. She wouldn't go with just anyone. If only the right person would ask her!
(Noah) An Idea
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 01-12-20 15:53
Noah and Seth walked into the Great Hall together to check out Career Day. Noah's uncle was there at the Twice Told Tales booth, and various members of Seth's family, including his parents, were also representing their businesses. The two talked to their relatives and wandered around to the various tables, picking up freebies and entering drawings. Noah really didn't know what he wanted to do after Hogwarts, but then he was only a fourth year and had some time still to think about the future.
One future event on his mind was the Valentine's Day dance. Noah wanted to go because it seemed like everybody was coupling up for it and he didn't want to be left out, even though he knew that thought was silly. Noah just didn't want to be the only boy in his year without a date. He wasn't sure what would be worse: going to the dance alone or not going at all because he couldn't find someone to bring.
After putting his name in for the Comet 300 broomstick drawing, Noah turned to Seth and asked, "Has your sister found a date to the dance?"
"I'm not sure," Seth said.
"Can you ask her for me?"
"Ask her if she has a date already or ask her if she wants to be your date?" Seth asked, raising an eyebrow.
Noah laughed. "If she doesn't have a date, then I'll ask her myself… if that's all right with you?"
Seth shrugged. "I didn't know you fancied her."
"I never thought about her that way, but she is pretty."
Seth held up a hand. "Please say no more. Another booth, or do you need to follow through with your plan first?"
"I don't really have a plan. It's just an idea."
Seth shrugged again. "Sure. Another booth, then?"
Noah nodded. "Yeah, you decide where."
They ended up going to get ice cream. Noah kept an eye out for Larkin, telling himself he would ask her to the dance if he saw her today.
Favorite Team
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 01-12-20 19:32
"These are free?"
Ginny steps forward to the table, nodding as she replies, "Yes. Do you have a favorite team? We have pennants and buttons for all of them."
"Wimbourne Wasps. I like the Harpies but the Wasps are my absolute favorite. Would you sign my shirt?" He holds out a Holyhead Harpies t-shirt.
"Of course!" Ginny hands him a Wasps pennant on which the wasp mascot flies from one side to the other and a button for the team, which is in the shape of a wasp then takes the shirt from him. "Do you want just my autograph or do you want me to write a little something?"
"You'd do that?"
"Sure. What's your name?" She's retrieved a quill that's good for writing on fabric and has selected a green ink that will not only show well against the yellow of the shirt but also matches the green lettering on the shirt.
"Vincent. Vincent Bouvier. Do you have to play for a house team to be able to play professional?"
Ginny pauses in writing:
Vincent,
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.
Ginny Weasley Potter
"Oh no. There are many who have never played for a Hogwarts house or a house or dorm for another school or for one of the university teams." She finishes writing and as she uses her wand to make sure the ink is dry she says, "If only people who played for an official school team were picked then there are plenty of skilled players who wouldn't have a chance. Also, with the number of teams just the British and Irish League have right now, there wouldn't be enough players to round out each team."
"If someone is good why wouldn't he, or she, play for a house team?"
"It differs from person to person. Some don't want to try out for a team until they're older. Some don't aren't quite good enough while at Hogwarts, or whatever other school. Some do try out and for whatever reason don't get chosen. I know a few who wanted to try out while here but didn't because their parents wouldn't let them. There are other reasons."
"So I might have a chance later even if I never play for Hufflepuff?" He suddenly grins at her and gives a little laugh. "I never thought about it before but my favorite pro team has the same colors as my house. Weird that I've been a Hufflepuff since September but a Wasps fan all my life and I only just now realized."
Ginny returns the smile. "Means you have an entire school wardrobe that lets you also show you're a Wasps fan." She holds out a tray of sweets. "Would you like one?"
Vincent surveys the offerings, which range from flying broomstick frosted sugar biscuits to cake balls that look like golden snitches complete with moving wings made of fondant. He takes one of the snitches with a, "Thank you. And thanks for the autograph!" before asking Sadie a few questions about coaching and from there wandering over to Comet Trading Company where Ginny sees him filling out a slip for the Comet 300 drawing.
OOC: The quote Ginny writes is attributed to Les Brown.
Busy Career Day
Author: Blossom
Date: 01-13-20 15:04
Jane Linton sighs dramatically as she folds her arms and leans a hip against the table. "I should know by now what I want to do. I'm halfway through seventh year."
From the other side of the table Blossom reaches out a hand to pat Jane on the shoulder. "Not everyone knows and some who think they do end up changing their minds."
Jane ruefully smiles. "Wasn't all that long ago passing NEWT level courses and then the NEWTs determined what careers a witch could consider."
"Wasn't all that long ago that the apprentice system was the main path to many careers in the wizarding world. You have more options now."
"How did you know?"
"I didn't. When I graduated, Watling's Wizarding Academy by the way, and moved to England I worked for awhile cleaning vaults at Gringotts."
"But now you've got a day care, you started Hogsmeade Primary Day, and you opened the gaming center. At some point you made a decision and acted on it."
"Yes, but that point was after I'd been working awhile and had met my husband." She looks around as if checking to see who's within earshot. She says with amusement, "According to my husband my drive to get the businesses established and successful would have gotten me Sorted into Slytherin."
Jane lightly laughs before turning serious again. "Is teaching little kids difficult?"
"It can be but it's also rewarding. Are you interested in a particular age group?"
"The day care age maybe but I've also thought about nursing or healing."
"If you have a day over Easter holidays, come by the day care and observe. You might also set up observations with a pediatric nurse and pediatric healer."
"That's a great idea. Thank you!" Jane stays to talk another minute then wanders to one of the health care booths.
Nearby at the gaming center booth, heavily pregnant Daria eases back onto a stool, glad that it has a supportive back. Filling out an entry to win a year of gaming Reginald Price asks her, "Do you really know how to play every one of the games?"
"I do, though I'm far from an expert on all of them."
"But some of them?"
"Some, yes. Those I'm not I work at improving my skills. I can better give assistance and tips if I'm at least competent."
"Are there are new games coming?"
"There will be new courses and challenges for both wizarding paint ball and wizarding laser tag this next Hogsmeade trip. We'll also be trying out a sort of virtual reality experience. You'll have to come by and see." She hands him a token for half-off any game and nods to a sheet of parchment near the contest entry box. "If you have any suggestions for games or experiences, be sure to write them down along with your name."
At the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes booth Fred is telling Gideon, "You know you can't put your name in for either drawing." One drawing is for a pygmy puff and its pet accessories and the other is for a gift certificate.
"I don't really need another pygmy puff but was hoping for the large cage."
"Why didn't you say so instead of trying to sneak your name in? I'll send you an expansion this evening after Career Day ends. How's that?"
"Thanks, Dad."
"Are you asking anyone to this Valentine's dance I'm hearing about?"
"Don't know. Maybe. I think the girl I'd ask already has someone to go with."
"You think but don't know?"
"She so pretty and funny she has to by now."
"Does she have a name?"
"Emily Ellis."
"If you aren't sure she's already been asked, then ask her. The worst that will happen is she'll say thank you but she's already said she'd go with someone else."
"Yeah, maybe."
While Gideon and Fred are talking, Larkin has just put her name into a drawing for a bespoke outfit from Narcissa's. Deciding to grab something to drink before continuing the rounds of the Career Day booths, maybe going over to Aunt Ginny's and getting one of those snitch cake balls, Larkin wanders over to the refreshments table. A lemonade in hand she turns to survey the room, giving a start to find Noah Stratford inches away. "Hi, Noah."
"Hi. Enjoying the booths?"
"So far. You?"
"Yeah. Seth," he hooks a thumb in the direction of Seth farther down the refreshments table looking over the sandwich offerings, "and I have been around to a lot of them. Larkin, I was wondering," Noah pauses and seems to take a deep breath before saying in a rush, "will you go to the Sweethearts Dance with me?"
Surprised to be asked, by her brother's roommate no less, Larkin finds herself stupidly grinning. "Yes, I'd like that! Thank you for asking."
Noah grins back. Seth breaks the spell a few seconds later by asking, "Are you two going to stare and grin at each other the rest of the day?"
Uhh…
Author: Carys
Date: 01-13-20 18:39
As one of the sponsors for the Photography Club, Carys regularly found herself at Hogwarts. The reason for her visit today was to promote the field during Career Day. She had with her assorted cameras and equipment, as well as portfolios with some of her work, which ranged from artistic to ordinary portraiture from her business in Cardiff. She was also giving away disposable cameras.
"Hi, Mum."
"Hi, Tristan. I'll refrain from hugging you…"
"…But I know you want to. Thanks." Tristan looked around to make sure none of his friends were watching and then quickly gave his mother a side hug.
"What's this about a Valentine's Day dance?" Carys asked. "Are you going? With a date?"
Tristan shook his head. "I haven't asked anybody, and nobody's asked me either. Besides, I'm only 13."
Carys smiled. "But you had a girlfriend before you ever got to Hogwarts."
"Ugh. Don't remind me. There's Tyler. Gotta go." With that, he slipped away.
Carys was thinking about taking a break to joke with Ginny about how she was cheating on photography with Quidditch when Eunice Smirt appeared before Carys' booth. She looked down at the clipboard she was holding, then looked at Carys' display before settling on her face.
"Mrs. Hanham-Price."
"Yes?" Carys asked. She held out her hand but Eunice didn't take it, so she let it drop. Tristan had written about the strange duo making observations at Hogwarts, and Carys had seen one or the other from time to time during her Photography Club visits, but she had never met either.
Eunice didn't provide her own name. She asked, "Formerly Carys Hanham-Beauvais?"
Carys frowned. "That's right."
Eunice lowered the clipboard and held it against her body as she queried, "Professor McGonagall was your Head of House when you were a student here at Hogwarts, was she not?"
"She was."
"And she was aware of the promiscuous behavior of you and your classmates?"
Carys stammered. "Erm, no."
"So she was not aware of what the students under her tutelage were doing?"
"Uhhh…"
Eunice picked up her clipboard again, jotted a note, and said, "That will be all,", and then she, too, slipped away.
Carys stood there stunned for a moment and then began wondering if she should tell Professor McGonagall about the strange conversation she just had, even if it would bring back memories from an awkward conversation about sex the two had had many years ago.
More Ready Than You Think
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 01-13-20 18:49
Emerald sends a student off with a goody bag filled with a variety of "plant" candies, such as peppermint, dandelion, cinnamon, licorice, lemon. The student had asked, "Cinnamon is from a plant?"
"It's from tree bark."
"This one's maple? And what's this one?"
"Yes, that's maple, which is from the sap of maple trees, usually the sugar maple, black maple, and red maple. That other has roasted pepitas, which are pumpkin seeds."
Once all the candies in that particular goody bag had been identified, the student walked away, popping a lime chew into her mouth. Emerald bends to grab more of the bags from a box to replenish the basket on the table. Still half-bent she's startled when a hand reaches out to grab one. "Is everyone having a baby or just had one but me?"
"Aren't you the disgruntled one."
Olive makes a face then peers into the goody bag she'd grabbed. "Are there any orange flavored?"
"In some of them. What's this problem you have with people having babies?"
Olive looks pointedly at Emerald's stomach where she knows that there is a tiny bump hidden by her sister's robes. "I don't have a problem with people having babies it just seems you people are everywhere."
"You people?"
"You know what I mean."
"You're sounding like someone who dislikes children."
"You know I love kids. I'm just not ready to have any yet."
"Then don't."
"It's hard not to think about when I'm surrounded by new babies and pregnant people."
"If you're thinking about babies that much then maybe you're more ready than you think."
"Zuberi and I haven't been married all that long and we're still relatively new in our jobs."
"Sounds more like excuses than actual reasons if you're truly wanting to start a family."
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I should get back. You see that girl over there talking with Jack?" Olive says in reference to her colleague Jack Emerson at their Magical Law Enforcement booth. "She's massively crushing on him. I should go run interference."
Emerald holds her hand out. "Trade you goody bags. I brought you one with just orange."
"You're the best! But I'm keeping this one too," she laughs. "Talk to you again in a bit. Thanks!"
Emerald rolls her eyes and laughs then turns to greet another student who's approached to look over her Herbology based Greene House Farms booth.
Veterinary Healing Booth
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 01-14-20 14:22
Bran Hyland shakes Coco's hand. "Thank you. I'm definitely giving it serious thought."
Coco makes a gesture towards the cat shaped box on one of the booth's tables. "Be sure to enter the drawing."
Indigo is offering prizes of the cat or dog accessory of choice, a free pet check-up, and a generous gift certificate for food or treats. So far it's been popular enough that they've had to put out entry forms several times. If not for the charm restricting one entry per name Coco has no doubt some students would stuff the box with multiple entries.
With a momentary lull Coco puts out more of the bags of cat and owl treats while Indigo refills a tray with cat, dog, and owl shaped molded bonbons. She then sits down with a stack of save the date cards. With a flick of her wand she removes the date on each, looking up with a somewhat sheepish smile when Indigo wants to know, "Are you ever going to actually mail those?"
"Rubbing in that your wedding date is set and invitations already out?"
"Some of us aren't going for years long engagements."
Coco laughs. "For awhile, Fritz and I didn't give much thought to an actual wedding once we were engaged. We were together and happy and that's all that mattered. We didn't mean for things to drag out this long. We do need to pick another date for sooner rather than later. With his age and declining health Papa Wal has started asking if he'll be around to see me down the aisle." She sets her things aside and stands. "Incoming."
Indigo starts to say he's got it but sees the approaching students aren't together. There are two who are sixth or seventh years and two who look more like first or second years. He takes the first group to reach them, the older two, and Coco takes the two younger ones, giving them a bright smile. "Hi! Interested in veterinary healing?"
(Mark) Floo Network
Author: Isolde
Date: 01-14-20 18:39
"My gran said that the only reason one has to officially connect to the Floo Network is so that the government can spy on you. Is that true?" The speaker was about 12 with hair in pigtails.
Mark smiled. "No. There are more fireplaces on the Floo Network than there are government employees to monitor them. The reason why the fireplaces are regulated by the Ministry is to make sure that Muggle fireplaces aren't accidentally connected."
"How can that happen accidentally?"
"That's just it. If you don't have trained professionals working on the network, then mistakes can happen." Mark shrugged. "The Floo Network Authority exists to make traveling via fireplace safe for everyone."
The girl didn't look convinced and wandered off without another word.
In the break that followed, Mark looked across the Great Hall at Kate, who was busy telling a group of girls about her work as an interior designer. Things were going so well that Mark had recently gone to Kate's father to ask permission to marry her. Will was also at Career Day and knew that Mark now had a ring and was probably going to ask Kate to marry him tonight.
Mark reached to pat the ring box in his pocket. The plan was to get take away from their favorite place tonight after Career Day, light a cozy fire, and drink from the bottle of wine Johanna had sent to them from Spain. At some point, when the moment felt right, Mark would get out the ring and pop the big question.
He suddenly felt as if he were being watched and saw that Kate was no longer busy. She was grinning at him from across the room. Mark grinned back and knew just how lucky he was to have gotten a second chance with his one true love.
At The Devi Linguistic Services Booth
Author: Plum
Date: 01-14-20 18:50
"Hi, Plum. Do you have more of the Gobbledygook lessons?"
"Hi, Dolly. They had gotten moved to the shelf with the Gnomish lessons. I thought I moved them back but apparently not. If you go look while I'm still here today let me know if they aren't there."
"I'll do that now, thanks!"
Dolly scurries off to the room where the Language Club meets her friend Becky hurrying along with her. Before they're out of earshot she hears Becky say, "How did I not know you call Mrs. Beck by her first name?"
Plum gives an amused snort then turns to greet Kurt Blackwell. "Hello, Kurt. Getting any useful career information?"
"Some I think and maybe you can help me out more. Do you think I could do an internship or something along those lines for a few weeks this summer?"
"Yes, absolutely. In fact, I have application forms in case someone asked me that very question." Plum retrieves the form. She hands it to him saying, "You've got a gift for languages. I think you'll enjoy a summer internship."
"You think I've got a good shot at getting it then?"
"Between you and me, I've talked you up and a position is yours for the taking. You need to submit the application as a matter of form."
"Excellent! Thank you!"
Kurt takes the application form and the envelope Plum provides with a promise of owling it off by Monday afternoon. In the short time they've been talking Alex has come up. As soon as Kurt turns to go Alex says, "Dolly said she was coming here."
"Well hello to you too. Dolly will be back in a few. She went to check something in the Language Club meeting room."
Looking contrite Alex reaches out an arm to quickly hug her. "Sorry. Hi. Even though they'd be in the daycare it's too bad you couldn't bring Evan and Theresa."
Plum controls the hand that wants to reach up and ruffle his hair. "Evan was upset but they both had fever this morning and the potions hadn't kicked in yet."
"Is Anthony sick too?"
"Not yet and so far I feel fine but we'll see."
"There's a Sweethearts Dance at Valentine's. Do you think I'm too young to go?"
"If it's a schoolwide dance, even if it's Valentine's, no."
"You think if I asked Dolly she'd go with me like a date. I mean we'd be friends but instead of just going together we could go together. That doesn't make sense. Sorry," he sighs.
Plum works hard to keep from laughing, understanding all too well. She matches his serious tone. "I know what you mean. I think it's highly likely Dolly would say yes if you asked her. If you decide to and she says yes, let me know and I'll help you order a corsage for her."
"Okay, thanks! Oh! Here she comes. Don't let on we were talking about her and Valentine's."
Plum mimes locking her lips and throwing away the key with Alex thinking it's a good thing Plum's back is to Dolly and Becky or they'd want to know why his sister is making the sign of someone keeping a secret.
Connie & Libby
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 01-15-20 14:20
Libby approaches the Davies & Llewellyn booth. "Mum, thought you'd like some honey ginger tea Ms. Ravenclaw is giving out. I steeped it myself."
Accepting the offered mug Connie smiles over the rim. "Why thank you, sweetie. I though I saw you earlier but then when you didn't come by here I wasn't sure." She takes a sip. "This is good. Thank you."
"Why are some teas better than others? I mean the same kind? Like how that oolong we get at the Chinese place near home is so good but that we had on holiday was only so-so?"
"I think it has to do with the quality of the tea leaves. Maybe the nutrients in the soil. I bet Ms. Ravenclaw can tell you or ask Emmie Hodfuffer," Connie uses her mug to point first in the direction of the Botanicals & Beyond booth and then to the Greene House Farms booth. "Or, you know, one of the Herbology professors would know. Professors Longbottom and Ravenscroft have always seemed nice and willing to help."
Libby narrows her eyes in thought before saying, "Yeah, maybe I will."
"Have you found any of the booths, that is the careers, interesting?"
Libby leans forward somewhat conspiratorially, "Don't tell Professor Snape, but Potions is sort of fun. I talked with that person from J. Pippin's Potions for awhile. Elias Ironside. That's his name." She admits, "I do wish we could make more potions in class that do things like blow up."
Connie can't help but laugh. "Now that, poppet, sounds exactly like something you'd find fun and exciting."
"Is there like a Ministry department or sub-department or something that's for making explosives?"
"You know, I have no idea. Go ask Sage," she nods to the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts booth just across the way from her, "if he knows or ask one of the aurors. Your father might know. Professor Snape or Professor Weasley. Oh, you know, go ask at the Weasleys Wizard Wheezes booth. Fireworks are explosives and those two would know a lot about things like fireworks."
Libby's eyes narrow in contemplation again and she slowly nods. "Yeah, I'll do that. Thanks, Mum. Have you had a lot of interest?"
"Some, but we both know the real estate business is not that exciting or intriguing. It can be, however, a steady paycheck when the market is decent. I brought the dress you asked for. We need to check the length and that it fits at the waist. Your grandmother was more grown than you when she wore the dress. She was nineteen." She retrieves the box from under one of the booth's tables. "I can take a break and go with you so you can try it on."
"If you can get away, that would be great."
Connie is about to ask Sage to keep an eye on the booth but Edwina and Bertie have come over to say hello. With a promise of being quick, Connie and Libby head to the nearest Ladies for Libby to try on the pale purple cocktail dress that had been her maternal grandmother's. It's somewhat simply without any fancy embellishments but Libby thinks it's beautiful and elegant. She's hoping to wear it on her date with Oliver Towneley to the Sweethearts Dance on Valentine's.