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(Alexander) Caution
Author: Mildred
Date: 02-04-15 05:42
Alexander watched the witches and wizards at the ballroom. They were all dressed up, with elegant robes and pointy hats. The house elves walked among them, carrying trays with drinks, having to reach their arms as high as they could to be noticed. Harold Sims was dressed in purple and he was shaking hands with another wizard. Then he touched his older son's shoulder, encouraging him to greet the wizard as well. Achilles was wearing matching robes as his father, but he did not resemble Harold that much. He looked a lot more like his mother, Ursula, who appeared a moment later, carrying her other son, Hercules, by the hand.
Alexander eyes moved to another window, where he could see the auror going back and forth, patrolling the house's entrance hall. He knew he could neutralize the auror with ease, especially if he did not see him coming. He adjusted his black hood, to hide his face even more. He doubted anyone in that ballroom but the Sims, would recognize him, but he would rather be safe than sorry. He was ready to break into the Sims' residence when he felt his feet paralyzed, as if they were tied to each other.
"I wouldn't go further, if I was you."
"Regina…" His mother in law had used a spell to bind his feet, now allowing him to move. Alexander broke the spell and confronted Regina who had also chosen to adopt an identical wardrobe as his, with a dark hood and simple black robes.
"Weren't you suppose to be in the Mediterranean?" he asked.
"That's what I wanted Mildred and everyone else to think. I couldn't tell my granddaughter I wasn't going to spend the Christmas day with her because I would be tracking down her foolish father."
"How did you know I was going to be here?"
"Because this is the only time of the year the Sims open their summer house, during the cold months. As soon as their guests depart, they will surround this house with many spells and charms and you won't be able to detect it. Not until summer. And even then, they enjoy their privacy. Their Christmas party on the other hand is a public event. I read that on a magazine once, you know? I never thought Witch Weekly could be so useful."
"That doesn't explain why I'm here."
"They have something inside that house that you want. But, even if you can deal with the auror, once you put your feet upstairs, you will be detected. "
"I don't think I will."
"If Sarah was, why wouldn't you? She has always been cleverer than you, you have to admit that Alexander. She told me she didn't know how they had discovered she was there because; she was very careful and she was sure she had neutralized all the typical security charms of the floor. But the truth was that they found her and they knew exactly where she stood."
"Did she ever tell you why she went there?"
"No," there was a pause and Regina faced him. "You also don't know what she wanted from the house." she concluded.
"I have no idea. She didn't even tell me she was going to break into the house in the first place. I found out in the Daily Prophet. 'Witch breaks into Christmas Party'. They wrote that she wanted to apologize to the Sims for my actions and beg them to use their contacts at the Ministry to reduce my time in Azkaban. I confronted her the next time she came to visit me, but she denied everything, except her presence at the house. They have something there she wanted. And I think the only reason why she didn't try to get it again was because they hired the auror and, if she got caught, she might be arrested and no one would be there for Mildred. They had pity of her the first time. The Sims enjoyed pretending they were merciful and they did not charge her with anything. I was hoping once inside I could discover what Sarah wanted…"
"As much as I am curious about what it was I don't think it will be wise. Not until you know what sort of security they have. Frankly, Alexander you seem to want to go back to Azkaban! You should tell Mildred about your release. Buy a house, with a nice bedroom for her. Go to Hogwarts, watch her play Quidditch. She's quite good at it, you know? As much as I prefer to have her living with me, I know she needs a father. Even if a reckless one, like you."
"These people murdered my wife! You expect me to do nothing about it?!"
"On the contrary; But you need to be cautious. And be assured you are not alone in this. You have allies. I too want to make justice for my daughter. However, for now, I suggest you to finally reveal to Mildred you have left prison and spend time with her. Just make sure she doesn't know about your extracurricular activities. Keep your arm covered all the time."
Alexander looked down to his arm where the dark mark made contrast with his pale skin. He pulled the sleeve of his robes down, knowing he probably had done the contrary when he was ready to break into the Sims's house using magic. Adriana Fairchild had given him the dark mark as a warranty of his loyalty. No one would believe him if he came to the Ministry of Magic and tell them how he had been snatched and helped Adriana to give birth to a child. Or how, after that, he had healed a few other death eaters. He had even had to assist an innocent man named Aris Sisco, who had been a victim of the Crucio curse, and that Adriana wanted to make sure he would live so no one would raise any suspicious about what was happening at the backdoor of the Ye Old Curiousity Shop at Diagon Alley. If they saw the mark, and after his time at Azkaban for killing a child, no one would believe in his innocence. The dark mark was also an easier way for Adriana to communicate with Alexander and summon him whenever she was in the need of a healer.
Secretly, Alexander enjoyed working for Adriana and he was scared that if they given him verisaterum he would admit so. It was not because he approved her actions or supported whatever her cause may be. It had nothing to do with that. But he knew that after being convicted and losing his healing license he would have never been able to work at St. Mungo's again, or any other place. No one would trust their loved ones to a past criminal.In all the years he spent at Azkaban, Alexander had never made peace with the fact he would never heal again. Adriana had given him that chance. And, as long as he just played this role of helping out any injured wizard or witch, he did not feel many hard feelings for cooperating with people like Adriana Fairchild and her group. He would never deny healing cares to any patient, good or bad.
He opened his mouth ready to justify this to Regina but she raised her hand in the air, stopping him to start a speech.
"I always knew my daughter had a bad taste in men and what you do in your free time it is none of my business. As long as you do not involve Mildred in all this, then I will close my eyes to this situation. I'll pretend I never saw your arm."
There was a noise, as a window opened and the auror looked from it, as if finally he had sensed the presence of the pair far away, watching the illuminated house.
"We shall better depart now, Alexander. I'll make sure we keep in touch. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," he replied as she disappeared with a small popping sound.
He followed her example moments later, as the auror went back inside.
Christmas Surprise
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 02-04-15 18:02
Fritz is stretched out in front of a roaring fireplace, dozing instead of reading like he intending on doing when he first got comfortable on the couch. His parents and grandparents are in another room, talking over the sound of Christmas music coming from the radio.
The Schnackenpfefferhausens departed England for Germany a few days ago and are staying with Fritz's maternal grandparents. They opened gifts last night after a light supper. Fritz received a hand-knitted sweater from his grandmother, a tool kit from his grandfather that included some vintage tools belonging to the family, and spending money from his parents.
He never did mention to them that he recently came into an inheritance. Most of the money Berthold left him is still in the bank vault in Vienna, as are all of the other possessions the Austrian aurors didn't confiscate. Fritz only took enough money to do his Christmas shopping without having to dip into his own Gringotts vault.
He's not sure why he hasn't said anything to his family about it. Fritz isn't worried that they will ask him for loans or gifts, and if they were to, then that would be perfectly fine. He supposes it's the shame in knowing how he came to inherit in the first place. The only person Fritz confided in is Coco.
His nap is interrupted by a knock at the front door.
"I'll get it," he calls out in German, climbing to his feet. He makes his way over to the front door and opens it, bracing himself for the cold. It's not the cold blast of air that knocks him off his feet but the sight of his cousin Otto standing on the doorstep.
Otto is wearing his German army uniform and carrying a duffel bag over his shoulder. He looks both leaner and more muscular from the last time Fritz saw him.
"Hallo, Fritz," Otto jovially exclaims. "Frohe Weihnachten." *
Still stunned, Fritz pulls his cousin into a hug and then calls out for the rest of his family to see the Christmas surprise waiting on the doorstep for them all. It's not long before Otto is pulled into the warmth of the house and enveloped in hugs and kisses from his loved ones.
Intimate Affair
Author: Kody
Date: 02-04-15 19:03
Fussing with Kody's tie Laura sighs, "I'm not ready for this."
"I thought you were happy for today."
"I am. It just seems to have come too fast. So many years lost, so many milestones we missed. It's hard to explain better. Still, I'm ecstatic and grateful to be able to share this milestone with Kordelia."
"I understand a little. Or, I think I do. I wonder if our relationship would be better if my big sister had always been part of my life. Would it be worse? Would there be sibling rivalry? What memories would we have made growing up together? I also wonder if Kordelia ever resents me."
"Because she was taken away and then you came along and were raised by us, loved by us."
Kody nods, mouth twisting. "It's a wonder you and Dad didn't smother me. I'm fortunate that you two didn't hover constantly."
"We did at first," Laura says, her lips showing a hint of a smile though her expression is deadly serious. "When you were moving from toddlerhood we had a long conversation about the life we wanted you to be able to lead. A life that didn't have us restricting your every move, forbidding you any freedom. There are not adequate words for how difficult pulling back was. We both had setbacks now and then but over time, we were able to relax somewhat, even if only externally. To this day I still have an urge to wrap you in cotton to keep you safe. Kordelia as well since she's returned to us."
Laura's expression turns more lighthearted, her smile growing. "It's time."
Kordelia had initially turned down Emilian Dancescu's proposal, questioning his motive after a pregnancy scare. Months later, while on a picnic, Emilian with custom made engagement ring in hand, proposed again. This time, Kordelia's only hesitation in saying yes was because of being surprised and because she found herself overwhelmed by emotion.
In a few moments the wedding will begin, the ceremony taking place in the Reese-Emerson home in a room decorated with pointsettias and dark green garlands. The wedding is an intimate affair with close friends and family. Emilian's brother is the best man and Kordelia's best friend is maid of honor. Kody and cousin Jack are the ushers. With the time for the ceremony at hand, Jack and he see grandparents to their seats. Jack escorts Emilian's parents down the aisle followed by Laura on Kody's arm. After Jack and Kody are also seated, Emilian, his brother, and the minister take their places. A flower girl and ring bearer come down the aisle with the maid of honor right behind. Kordelia had not wanted anyone to stand for her turn down the aisle so as her father and she make their joint entrance, heads swivel and bodies shift to take in the bride's short walk along the Christmas red runner. Christopher leaves Kordelia standing with Emilian to take his seat by Laura.
Sitting with Daria by his side, Kody thinks about when, and if, he'll pop the question to her.
Christmas Day
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 02-05-15 17:29
Christmas Eve had been quiet, the girls had gone two days before to spend some time with the Morgans for the holiday and that had given me time to send off my Secret Santa gift for Angharad Carter-Cadin, she was not one of my students, but her youngest sister was and I'd asked her for a few ideas for her sister, and ultimately gotten some input from my two eldest daughters on what to get her. The girls each wanted to get her something small as well, so they were each allowed to pick out something for the older girl.
I'd chosen a trio of nail polishes for her, and Jui had selected a pair of turquoise and silver Celtic knot earrings, and KJ a pretty turquoise and silver bracelet. Each gift had been wrapped and sent off to the girl a few days before Christmas to ensure she had them to open for the holiday if she wished or to open them before.
Christmas eve had been filled with wine and wrapping Christmas gifts for my daughters. There were several for all three children, not counting what they'd come home with in the morning from the Morgans. I'd also gotten owls from my parents in India had sent gifts for their grandchildren. They would be spoiled no doubt this year as well as many others in their life.
There was breakfast waiting when Fia and Easton. Hugs were given, and they agreed to stay for breakfast at the urging of their grandchildren. We talked a bit over breakfast and soon the Morgans said goodbye, and my living room turned into absolute chaos as shredded wrapping paper became a playground for Avani and Jag to run rampant with – along with bows and ribbons that were batted at, rolled about in and ultimately spread about the entire living room.
Dinner was a simple affair but one made with love and my little family spent the night with each other and I read Christmas stories to my daughters before tucking their overly tired bodies into bed and ensuring that all their new goodies were properly put away in their rooms.
That was several hours ago, and the clock was quickly turning toward the midnight hour, when this holiday would be over. I sat on the couch with a glass of wine in my hand. I had survived another year being a widow, it was an accomplishment considering the state I'd been in when I'd learned that Dex was dead. My children were thriving, and our family was surviving and moving forward in ways that proved we would always be close, no matter what happened.
"Mummy..."
I turned my head at the sound of my oldest daughter's voice, and motioned her to come join me on the couch. My glass of wine settled on the end table, as I wrapped my arms around her.
"A nightmare?" I questioned softly.
She nodded her head, nuzzling herself into me, resting her head on my shoulder. I started to hum softly, a Hindu lullaby that I knew was one of her favorites. I rubbed her back lightly, feeling the tremors from the nightmare begin to fade and she slowly began to drift off to sleep. Once she was sleeping soundly, I carried her back to her bed, settling her beneath the blankets with her new teddy bear, and slipped out.
A moment was spared to empty my wine glass, wash and put it away before I found my bed for the night, thankful that the holiday was over.
At the End of the Day
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 02-05-15 17:50
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day had been spent with family and friends, and ultimately the new addition to the family had gotten spoiled rotten on her first Christmas. Karina was currently fast asleep in her bassinet while Ariella and I were currently curled on the couch in the Castle enjoying the quiet finally after a busy couple of days. I'd also sent out, a couple of days earlier my Secret Santa gift for Cai Carter, that had been picked out with Ariella's help - a necklace with a lock and key charm on it. It was quite cute.
"I don't believe I've given you all of your Christmas gifts..." I said with an impish grin before reaching into my bag that was usually at the end of the couch and pulling out a small flat box and handing it to her. It was wrapped in Hufflepuff colors.
Ariella blinked a moment, before opening the box and revealing a sterling silver necklace, with a blue crystal dangling in the center of the circle charm upon it. The words etched into the metal read "I Wished For You.."
"Thank you, for not only being my wife, but being the mother of our beautiful daughter." I said, kissing her lightly and holding her against me for a few moments.
"I would have never thought that I would find such happiness. You know how much I love you, but to think that it could be multiplied, expanded now that our family is one bigger is something that I hadn't even imagined." I said softly, unable to truly find the words to express how happy, how content I finally was...despite the lingering unknown that came with those letters.
I still had the one that had shown up a few weeks ago, but I'd not opened it. I'd felt it still in my bag when I'd pulled out the necklace, and I didn't want to let it ruin what was left of the holiday. I would burn it tomorrow, watch it go up in flames and refuse to further acknowledge the fact that someone was trying to tarnish my family's name.
Post-Christmas at the Marks
Author: Rylee
Date: 02-05-15 18:27
It was one of the few times I was glad our house was absolutely big enough for everyone in this huge family. Nearly two dozen people spending four days together under one roof had been a task, but the house elves had shined and every meal had been fantastic including the Christmas feast that had finished maybe about an hour and a half ago.
The aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings were going to be here for another day, with some filtering out in the morning, but the rest would be gone by this time on the 27th, with some to return for the New Years Eve celebration that would be happening. There was going to be a party, and all three Hogwarts students had invited friends to come to the party and spend the New Years in the house. It had already been decided that they would be allowed to use the guest house to ensure that there was enough room and that they could enjoy the evening without dealing with the conversation of adults and such.
There had been special observances for Chanukkah for Raz and Etana, and they had wanted to participate in the Christmas festivities, including that they'd also signed up for the Secret Santa gift exchange at school, and had each picked out gifts that had been owled to their recipients once they'd gotten back to London, as nothing had been found suitable while shopping in Hogsmeade during that last trip.
"Now I remember why we only do this once, maybe twice a year." I said, dropping down on the couch between Raz and Etana and picking a few pieces of popcorn out of the bowl sitting on Raz's lap.
"At least it is only four days. Imagine having to deal with this for eight days straight, plus any days that people come early or stay later than the holiday..." Raz said with a grin.
"Oh god, I couldn't deal with every member of my family for that long...seriously I would probably end up losing my mind." I said, chuckling as I closed my eyes listening to the music that filtered in from the wireless WWN player we had in the room.
Raz and Etana chuckled and the three of us spent the rest of the evening talking and ultimately playing a couple of muggle board games that were my favorites. We'd even played a couple of games of dreidel using some of the sweets we'd all gotten for Christmas.
Normal and Not-So-Normal Lives
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 02-05-15 19:07
Ethan and Lilly sat at the rather empty High Table in the Great Hall and enjoyed the Christmas dinner the house-elves cooked. They had spent last night in Bristol with the Towneleys and this morning with Aveline. Lilly made out like a bandit at every gathering, being the youngest on the Towneley side of the family and the only child on the Boggs side. The gift giving wasn't yet finished either. Another Christmas gathering was planned for when Briar and Grace returned from their holiday abroad.
Life was beginning to normalize for Ethan. When Winter Term began, he would resume teaching his Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. Ethan and Wilhelmina had already conferenced about what she had taught his students while he'd been unavailable, and though she had followed some of the syllabi she had found in his office, she had also done a few things her own way. Ethan wanted to be sure he didn't repeat what she'd already done.
It was nice falling back into a familiar routine, though Ethan knew his captors were still out there somewhere. He knew their failure at keeping him imprisoned till death or whatever their ultimate plan had been wouldn't prevent them from trying something again. He also knew his father may wish to retaliate for the accidental death of Ethan's mother. Ethan had to remain vigilant, but he also had a life to live.
He looked over at his daughter, who had abandoned her spoon for her hands and had them buried in the potatoes on her plate. Laughing, Ethan put down his fork and picked up his napkin but changed his mind when he realized she would probably favor her hands over an utensil a few more times before the meal ended. She grinned up at him with potatoes on her face as well as her hands, making him laugh even more.
—
Hattie stood in the window of the flat above Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe and wished for snow for Christmas, though there was none forecast. She supposed someone could use magic to make it snow, but where was the fun in that?
She jumped when she felt a presence behind her but then relaxed when she saw it was only Malarie, offering her a steaming mug.
"It's hot cocoa," Malarie said. Then she leaned in and winked conspiratorially. "I spiked it for you. Don't tell!"
Hattie took the mug with a most displeased expression on her face, but she didn't bother to remind Malarie that she wasn't a teenage boy but a grown woman a great many years older than she was, thank you very much!
Malarie walked away, and Hattie turned back to look out the window. She should have felt happy. After all, she'd successfully secured a hideaway in the middle of London for her mistress and had managed to avoid both her wrath and Dorian Somerset's itchy trigger finger. Hattie didn't feel secure in her position, though, and she most definitely wasn't happy. If only she had her old body back, but that would never happen. The best she could hope for was a better one than the awkward teenaged boy's body she now possessed.
She looked over her shoulder at Malarie, who frankly was a bit of a ditz and was probably a loss Fairchild could sustain, but Hattie didn't think Fairchild would ever go for it. Hattie would have to do a lot more good for the cause to ever get rewarded with anything more than her current pitiful life. She sighed to herself and drowned away her sorrows in her mug of spiked hot chocolate.
Shattered
Author: Blossom
Date: 02-05-15 20:44
Unsexily flopping onto the couch beside Fred, Blossom sighs, "To use an expression I'd never heard until moving here, I'm shattered."
Sliding an arm around her Fred yawns. "I could fall asleep right here."
"Puddles and Fuzzy think you're on to something," Blossom says of the Basset Hound and long haired mix cat. Fuzzy was already curled up on Fred's other side when she sat down. Puddles jumped up beside Blossom as soon as she was seated, sprawling out then rolling onto his back. Somehow, he's already so asleep he's snoring.
Fred and Blossom sit in companionable, and tired, silence for a few minutes, enjoying the fire, both having more trouble as the seconds pass fighting eyelids growing impossibly heavy. Through another yawn Blossom speaks, "My grandfather is thinking about staying a few days longer if that's all right with you."
"I don't see why he shouldn't stay through New Year's."
"He's mentioned something about a party he's committed to attending."
"The kids will be happy having him here and if he decides to not go to that party, you know he's welcome to do new year's eve with us. Now that he's not being so stuffy and judgy all the time, Dexter's not so bad to be around and he does love our children."
Pleased that Fred has admitted to liking her grandfather, Blossom snuggles in closer. Falling asleep on the couch isn't ideal but right now, after a hectic few days leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas celebrations today, she's far too tired to think about moving. Stretching out more, squeezing legs in next to Puddles, Blossom murmurs sleepily to Fred only to realize he's already nodded off.
A few hours later, the fire nothing but a few glowing coals, they stir, helping each other up to stagger off to bed, both hoping the children don't wake them before the sun as they did this morning.