Wednesday, March 7 & Thursday, March 8

(Caden) Reunion with Enid
Author: Ronan Eastwick
Date: 02-10-07 09:01

Caden strolled into the Department of Mysteries twenty minutes late. He wore sunglasses over his eyes and held a to-go cup of steaming tea in his hand. Rather than sit down at his desk and get right to work, he perched himself on the edge of Urania's and grinned down at her.

"Where have you been?" Urania asked, looking a bit concerned.

"No where," Caden replied with a shrug. "I just wasn't in a hurry to get here this morning."

"You haven't been in a hurry to get here on time all week," Urania pointed out very seriously. "What do you think you're doing? You can't just show up when you want to. Work doesn't go around your schedule. It's the other way around, remember?"

"I don't need to follow anyone's schedule but my own," Caden stated coolly. "In fact, I don't need to be here. See you later."

He got up and walked away, ignoring Urania as she called for him to return. She even went so far as to chase after him and seize his arm. Caden shrugged her off and said, "I said, see you later."

And with that, he left the Department of Mysteries, leaving Urania rooted to the floor with her mouth hanging open in disbelief.

Caden took the lift to the atrium and took the first available floo to the Hanged Man. He stared to hed for the loo when a hand fell onto his arm. Caden nearly shrugged it off, thinking Urania had somehow followed him all the way to Knockturn Alley when he noticed that it wasn't Urania who held his arm. It was Enid, his stepmother.

"Caden, I think you and I need to talk."

For the first time in a long time, Caden was taken off guard. He blinked at his stepmother as if believing that she was merely a figment of his imagination. When she didn't go away––when her hand remained firmly on his arm––Caden realized that Enid really was there.

"Where the hell have you been?" Caden asked.

Enid guided him to a table in a darkened corner. He sat down opposite her and stared, not having laid eyes on her in over four years. She was and always had been a stunningly beautiful woman.

"It's not important," Enid said dismissively. "What's important is this change in you."

"How do you know about that?" Caden asked, but then he remembered that it had been she who'd made the prophecy about him.

"I've waited a long time for this."

"You seem pleased," Caden commented, narrowing his eyes. "Why is that?"

"Because all I've ever wanted for my son is greatness."

"Ronan wasn't deluded into thinking you were watching him at the Runic Rodeo," Caden murmured.

"I was there to support my son, yes, but it is not of Ronan I now speak."

Caden wasn't sure what Enid was implying.

"You fool. I thought you would have realized by now that Bertram Eastwick wasn't your real father. I protected you from your real father. If he'd have found out about the prophecy, he'd have killed you. That's why I killed him. That's why I placed you in another home."

"You?"

"Yes, Caden. I am your mother. Your birth mother."

Knackered
Author: Plum
Date: 02-10-07 09:27

"You look knackered and it's not even noon yet," Holly comments, handing Plum a packet of sugar for the tea Plum's just gotten.

Stiring the sugar in the steaming liquid, Plum covers a yawn then replies, "Pulled an all nighter for an exam today."

"That's not very like you."

"If not for the arse of a professor giving us additional material on Monday for the exam today after telling us on Friday fifteen minutes into the class period that he'd just reached the cutoff point for it, then I wouldn't have had to pull a cram session," Plum grouses.

"Really?"

Plum rolls her eyes at the memory of Monday's class. "He came in scowling, obviously in a piss poor mood." Plum reaches into her haversack and pulls out a file from which she takes a stack of papers. "He began passing these out while running through a lecture on what they were. He did it so quickly that he was done explaining the papers by the time he had them passed around. Told us to know it all for today's exam then picks up the lecture where he'd left off Friday. He scowled and glared the entire class period and sound angry with every word he said."

"Someone ticked him off it sounds like."

"That's what it seems like to those of us in the class. What we can't figure out is why he's taking it out on us this way."

Holly tilts her head and says, "Unless..."

In the split second Plum deducts where Holly's going with it and finishes for her friend, "...it was someone in the class who ticked him off."

Taking a drink of her tea, still trying to wake up fully enough to be lucid enough to take the exam, Plum wonders which of her classmates from the course might have set off the professor so badly that the entire class is now paying the consequences.

Visit From Kenneth Shackleton
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 02-10-07 14:58

Charlie hands friend and former coworker from the Romanian preserve Kenneth Shackleton a set of the recently modified extendable eyes the McFusty Preserve is now using. "We're finding that these are making a real difference in reducing how intrusive we have to be," Charlie tells Kenneth.

The preserve has been using extendable eyes for awhile now but Charlie, working closely with Fred and George, had modified the design to better suit the needs of the dragon keepers. The upgrade extendable eyes are smaller and have camouflage coloring. These two elements combined make the eyes easier to conceal. Helping with that is a spell dragon keepers the world over use to mask human scent on stationary objects such as the eyes.

A third change in the dragon keeping eyes is a modification Fred and George designed with the Aurors and law enforcement officers in mind. Instead of the wires connecting one end to the other charms conduct information to relays. The longer the distance the more relays used but like the newly modified eyes, the relays are small and easy to conceal.

Kenneth fingers the set of extendable eyes saying, "Let's see these in the field. If they're as great as you say, your brothers are going to get an order from the Romanian Dragon Preserve."

Charlie leads Kenneth out the door to take the man out to one of the areas of the McFusty Preserve where the modified extendable eyes are in use. As they walk, Kenneth asks with mischief in his voice, "Soooo, how is it working at the university side by side with Belladonna Sinistra? You've hardly said anything in your owls about it."

Charlie fixes Kenneth with a glare. "Don't start," he warns.

Kenneth chuckles and manages to look angelically innocent at the same time. "What? Did I say something wrong?"

In reply, Charlie beans Kenneth on the head with the handful of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean he'd been about to pop into his mouth.

Incentives
Author: Gigi Martini
Date: 02-11-07 09:42

"The Ministry just sent over this preliminary list of businesses sponsoring the summer reading program as well as the incentives they will offer," Gigi said to Dulcia, who'd been weeding out tattered copies of children's books. "Look it over and give me your thoughts. Director Lampwick wants our opinions before it's officially publicized."

Dulcia, the children's librarian at the Hogsmeade Public Library, was keeping herself very busy by planning fun events and programs for anyone coming into the library during the summer months. She accepted the parchment from her boss and looked it over. It read as follows:

1st Annual Summer Reading Program
British and Irish Public Library
Diagon Alley Branch - Hogsmeade Branch

The summer reading program is open to any child between 0 and 17 years of age. Participants have the option to track their progress in the program either by the quantity of books read (generally for younger children) or by the number of hours read (generally for older children). Participants are awarded incentives for meeting certain qualifications. The summer reading program begins July 1st and ends August 31st.

Both Gigi and Dulcia hoped that a lot of children would participate in the program, Perhaps the incentives would encourage them to sign up and read all summer long!

Wandering Mind
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 02-11-07 11:17

While Professor Binns drones on and on about various regulations enacted by the early years of the Ministry of Magic, Fritz allows his mind to wander to everything but the subject at hand. First, he thinks about how he entered his name into the Broom Racing SAT running at breakfast that morning. He wonders if he'll be chosen. Without Quidditch this year, Fritz really hasn't done as much flying as usual and almost feels like he's a bit out of practice. As soon as he learns whether or not he's made the cut, he's going to take his broom out everyday to run a couple of drills. Quidditch will be back next year, after all, and Fritz wants to be ready for that too.

Fritz also thinks about how Coco's birthday is coming up. He already ordered some things from the Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley that Coco will find useful both for caring for Pea and her Aethenon Hazel. The entire package, which includes a new dog bed for Pea, a grooming kit for Hazel, and other things as well, should arrive in time for Coco's birthday on the 13th.

The other thing on Fritz's mind is the fact that the O.W.L.s are approaching fast. It didn't really hit him until a couple of days ago that the biggest exams of his life since starting at Hogwarts are just around the corner. He really needs to work out a study schedule so that he'll be fully prepared by June. With the SAT, Fritz has slacked off studying for the O.W.L.s a little bit. He's going to make a better effort from now on.

It suddenly occurs to him that he probably should pay attention to what Professor Binns is saying. The material might end up on the History of Magic O.W.L., after all!

Aubrey's News
Author: Alanna Beck
Date: 02-11-07 11:32

The fifth year Gryffindor and Hufflepuff students learned about spotted cauliflower in Herbology class. Professor FitzRoy did most of the talking, though she occasionally took commentary from the class. Alanna volunteered a few answers herself but mainly kept quiet. She found herself distracted, because of something Aubrey had told her on the walk to the greenhouses.

"I'm probably leaving Hogwarts after this school year," Aubrey had said, as the two fifth years had walked briskly from the castle to the greenhouses. The air was very cold, and both had bundled themselves up to keep warm but still had felt chilled to the bone.

"What?" Alanna had asked, surprised. "Why?"

"I'm negotiating a contract to model in Milan for a year. It'll mean that I won't be able to go to school anymore, much less attend a boarding school like Hogwarts."

"Is that what you really want?" Alanna had questioned. "Do you want to give up on school?"

Aubrey had shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe. I have a real future with modeling. If I stay at Hogwarts, I might miss out on a once in a lifetime opportunity. Hogwarts might be holding me back from reaching my full potential."

"Are you sure you want to drop out, though?" Alanna had queried. "Education is important. What if... what if they drop you like a hot potato after your year is up? What if you never find work again as a model? What will you do then?"

Aubrey had snorted. "Please. Like that will ever happen."

"It might. You never know. It's a cutthroat world out there."

"You don't know what it's like out there. You haven't been out there. I have. Take it from an expert, Alanna, I know what I'm doing."

That had been the end of the conversation. Alanna thought Aubrey was making a big mistake but Aubrey obviously didn't think so. Her head was so high in the clouds that if she ever lost favor in the modeling world, she'd fall hard. For Aubrey's sake, Alanna hoped that she did have a long future as a model ahead of her, but one never really knew what the future held.

Job Offer
Author: Travis
Date: 02-11-07 12:37

Travis looks up from the notes she'd been making on what tea blends she needs to make more of. "Hallo, Neville. How was class?"

"Really good, thanks. It was that class on hybrids. I love it."

Neville steps into the office to clock in for his shift and when he comes back out Travis asks, "Have you given further thought to the conversation we had Monday? You'd be able to experiment with hybrids to your heart's content."

"I have and I've spoken with my gran about it. I'd love to do it." Neville's face has brightened considerably with the boyish grin lighting his face.

The it in question is the job of overseeing a nursery and greenhouse Travis has on the outskirts of London. The woman currently overseeing it for Travis has given notice. When faced with replacing her, Neville's name sprang immediately to Travis's mind. On Monday she'd told him about the job and what it entails. Though Neville won't graduate from St. Emerys for a few months still, Travis would rather work things around Neville's class schedule until then instead of hiring someone only temporarily since she really wanted him for the job if he wanted it.

Pleased to have Neville on board for that job, Travis says, "I need to owl a help wanted notice to the paper and you'll need to let me know if there's a good time this weekend for me to show you around the London nursery."

Neville's smile cracks into a grin. "When do I see the increase in pay?"

Travis grins back. "Didn't I mention? The pay increase is in the form of tea blends. I'm working up the pay scale sheet for you know," she laughs holding up the notes she'd been making.

Neville laughs with her then seeing someone at the shoppe door, goes to hold the door open and greet their customer.

Just Before The Birthday Dinner
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 02-11-07 14:33

"What's that?" Lysander asks, peering over Julian's shoulder at a small package.

"Minnie and Maisie remembered my birthday."

Charlotte, in Lysander's arms, stretches a hand to the package. "Birfday!"

Julian plucks the toddler under her chin. "How about we wait to open it at dinner? Grace and you can help me open everything."

Charlotte gurgles happily at hearing Grace's name and Lysander says, "We were just on our way upstairs to change. Did your mum really say she was doing the cooking herself?"

"She really did," Julian says with the same note of incredulity lacing Lysander's voice. "I didn't even know she knew where the kitchen is. I always thought she summoned kitchen staff to her and gave orders from somewhere else in the house."

"We've plenty of leftovers from lunch if need be," Lysander chuckles. To Charlotte he says, "Time to dress up, my sweet."

"Dwess!" Charlotte nods agreeably.

As they climb the stairs Charlotte babbles on in her baby talk as if telling Lysander a story. Julian puts the present from Maisie and Minnie into a bag with other presents that he'll carry with him to his parents then finishes closing out the register. By the time he's done, Briar is walking in the door with a freshly scrubbed Grace.

"We have cake, Daddy!" Grace enthusiastically informs Julian. That reminds her of the square box she carries that's wrapped in a nice Slytherin green with silver bow to match. "For you! Happy Birthday!"

It's about the tenth time today that Grace has wished Julian Happy Birthday, each time accompanied with a hug and kiss. Like the nine times before, Julian happily accepts this hug and kiss as if it's the first of the day. He then holds the bag open for Grace to add her present to the stash.

Briar has put the box with the cake on the counter and is standing with another small gift in her hand. Grace takes it for her as Briar says, "Happy Birthday, Jules." Kneeling before Grace and straighening the child's lavender pinafore Briar says, "Mind Daddy and be good for Grandmum and Granddad. I'll see you in the morning. Give Mummy a kiss."

Julian nods in the direction of the cake. "Thanks for that. And the gift. You didn't have to."

Briar shrugs. "No, but I wanted to." To Grace she adds, "Have fun with Charlotte."

Julian walks Briar to the door, locking it behind her and turning over the sign to closed. He'd changed clothes a short time ago so is ready to go to his parents for his birthday dinner. Gathering up the bag with the presents and picking up the cake box, glad Briar thought to tie it with twine for easier carrying, Julian follows Grace upstairs to wait for Lysander and Charlotte to Floo to the Valentines' manor.

The Feeling Of Being Watched
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 02-12-07 16:23

Ron enters Yellow and gets into one of the lines. He'd not planned on eating canteen food today but darned if he hadn't gotten off this morning without fixing himself a sandwich. Ron would pop home to make himself something there but the urge to go in and take a nap would be overpowering.

Ron doesn't know how Hermione carries to full courseloads at two universities, gets assignments completed, studies, works, keeps her flat looking neat, clothes clean, and still has time to socialize much less actually sleep. If he didn't know better he'd start to wonder if Hermione had gotten hold of another time turner.

Ron's starting to feel the effects of a splitting housework with Ginny to keep the flat they share relatively straight, carrying a full courseload, Quidditch practice and games, helping out at the twins' shops, his job at Whizzhard Books, and his secret job of writing The Daily Prophet's Agony Aunt column. Throw in having a social life and Ron often feels like there's just not enough hours in the day. Most importantly of all is being the boyfriend Hermione expects and deserves or risk losing her again. Ron strongly suspects that if there is an again he'll never get her back no matter how deeply her feelings are for him.

Since his birthday a week ago Ron's also not been sleeping well. Lack of sleep is definately adding to the sensation of being overburdened. It doesn't help that a huge part of the not sleeping well is a recurring dream in which Liza Buchanan is back and gives Rita Skeeter the scoop on Ron's Agony Aunt duties. Everyone is so entertained by the notion of Ron being the one writing the column that they all forget that Liza is supposed to be dead and has a long string of crimes under her belt, not the least of which is murder.

At the same time Ron first had the odd dream Ron began having the sensation of being watched. Even now, standing in line for a cup of soup and a ham sandwich Ron's got the hair standing on the back of his neck sense of having eyes boring into him. He moves forward in line and as he does so Ron looks around Yellow to see if he can spot anyone staring.

Finding no one looking directly at him, Ron shrugs and tells himself it's all just a manifestation from lack of sleep. Ron moves forward more and gives his sandwich order then quickly debates between chicken noodle soup and beef stew. Choosing a cup of the thick beef stew, Ron continues moving along to select something sweet and to get a plastic cup for a drink.

His food paid for, Ron gets out of the way of those behind him as he looks for a table. Spotting one next to one of the faux windows showing a sunny, tropical beach with waves gently lapping on the sand, Ron sits down just as the being watched sensation starts up again. He quickly looks around, this time seeing a woman glancing his way.

Her physical appearance reminds Ron slightly of Liza Buchanan but only very slightly. Seeing that Ron's noticed she's looking at him, the woman smiles warmly then waves to someone at a table adjacent to Ron's. No wonder she was looking my way, he says to himself, feeling silly at having felt like she was watching him.

Rolling his eyes at himself, Ron pulls out one of his textbooks to review for class and tucks into his lunch.