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Keeping Occupied
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 04-11-07 18:30
Reading over some essays handed in at the beginning of this morning's class, Sirius also eats a small piece of birthday cake. Yesterday James and Mira turned one. There was a very small gathering. Small because Mira is still missing and because Bill Weasley is not doing well.
The twins' birthday was celebrated without much fanfare or hoopla. James didn't seem to care, or even understand what the occassion was all about. James simply enjoyed having people around and getting to rip paper off of boxes. He also loved getting to shove his hands into a very small cake made just for that reason. Everyone else had slices of a larger cake, though not allthat large.
The party, if it could even be called that, consisted of some excellent, but not anywhere near fancy, sandwiches, the cake, and for those wanting it, ice cream as well. Althought Drucilla and Sirius had let it be known that gifts weren't necessary, the few guests they had all brought presents anyway.
There was joy in the occassion yet sadness was evident. It was impossible not to think about Mira, where she might be, whether she's loved and cared for. For Sirius, Mira's continued absence is testimony to his failure as a father to protect his child. He should have found her by now. It doesn't matter that there are no clues. Sirius illogically, irrationally believes that he should have been able to locate Mira.
A knock on his office door brings Sirius out of his depressing thoughts. Glad to have someone to keep him occupied - the essays obviously not doing the trick - Sirius welcomes one of his students into the office and offers the young woman a piece of cake.
Something Unexpected
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 04-11-07 19:54
Hermione's Public Health and Preventative Medicine course ended early when Dr. Jordan received an important telephone call from home. Although Hermione spent a lot of her time in the Muggle World these days, she still hadn't grown very accustomed to seeing everyone else carrying a mobile phone. Some of her classmates seemed positively attached to their phones. It would probably take a surgical procedure to separate them from the devices.
Because she had time to spare, she went straight to St. Mungo's, but not towards her father's ward. She went to Bill's, where she knew varying members of the Weasley family kept vigil throughout the day. To her luck, the very Weasley she wanted to see was just leaving Bill's room.
He smiled upon seeing Hermione and kissed her after she rushed up to him and threw her arms around his neck. Ever since Ron and Charlie had returned, Hermione had felt as if she didn't want to let Ron from her sight, even for a moment. She could well imagine that Hendrika felt the same way about Charlie, and possibly even more so, since they were married and had two children together.
"I thought you were in class," Ron said, taking her hand. They walked down the hall towards the lift.
"It let out early," Hermione replied. "I was hoping I'd find you. Do you want to do lunch?"
"I am starving," Ron said. "I was planning on grabbing a bite in the lunchroom. Bill asked if I could sneak him some real food."
Hermione tried to remain light-hearted, but she could hardly manage it. "How is he doing?" she asked somberly.
Ron shook his head. "He has all the same symtoms, only they've worsened. I think he's not letting on how bad it really is."
"He's very brave," Hermione said quietly. "I wish there was something I could do for him."
"There is, maybe," Ron started, as an idea blossomed in his mind.
"Yes?"
"If you have some time... and I know you don't... but if you want a break from your regular studies and from work... do you think you could read up on what's wrong with Bill?" Ron asked. "No one seems to know, least of all the healers. That doesn't bode well for Bill, I think."
"Of course," Hermione replied, squeezing Ron's hand. She felt stupid for not having thought of conducting the research herself.
They had nearly reached the lift when they heard shouts behind them and saw several healers running down the corridor.
"We need to take this one," a witch in lime green robes said to Ron and Hermione, before brushing past them swiftly with her entourage.
Ron and Hermione obligingly stepped out of the way, clearly aware that a medical emergency was far more important than satisfying their hunger. But it was when they heard the healers mention the words "Granger" and "not breathing" that the medical emergency became of special interest to both of them.
They didn't wait for the next lift and instead ran to the nearest staircase, taking the steps two at a time until they reached the floor where Mr. Granger's room was located. They raced towards it, but were stopped by a hefty-looking nurse.
"That's my father!" Hermione said, franctically trying to look over the big woman's shoulder to see what was happening.
"I'm sorry, lass, but you'll have to wait. The healers are trying to help him."
Ron slipped an arm over Hermione's shoulders and watched as the healers inside the room trying to revive Mr. Granger. After a few moments, they relaxed.
"We lost him," one said.
Another looked at the clock on the wall. "Time of death, 12 noon."
Comfort
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 04-12-07 13:49
Hermione at first took the news of her father's death really well. She stoically went through the formalities of signing parchments, packing up Mr. Granger's things with Ron's help, and thinking out loud about the funeral arrangements. During that time, one of the nurses who'd given Mr. Granger care for several years now, went at Ron's request to tell any of his family who might be at Bill's room about Mr. Granger's passing. Molly had just arrived to visit Bill and came rushing to Hermione's side when the nurse delivered the news. Ron's mum, after hugging Hermione tightly, had offered the invitation of staying at the Burrow if Hermione didn't want to be alone.
Molly had taken Mr. Granger's packed things when she finally left to go back to Bill's room. With paperwork all signed and Mr. Granger's belongings packed, Hermione sat next to her father's bed, holding his hand. When the first tear dropped, Ron was right there by Hermione, saying nothing, just keeping an arm around her while they waited for someone to take Mr. Granger from the room.
Even after Mr. Granger is gone from the room, Hermione sits awhile longer. Ron stays with her, wishing he knew how to actively give more comfort, wishing he knew just the right words to say. All he knows for sure to do is stay close and be Hermione's sounding board as she continues talking about the hows, whens, and wheres of the funeral. It's definately little comfort to Hermione that the grave plot is already taken care of, something that was done when Mrs. Granger was buried.
When it's time to go to the funeral home to start the actual arrangement proceedings, Ron let's Molly know they're leaving St. Mungo's. He also asks his mum to let Harry know. As Hermione and he are leaving, Ron thinks of one thing he can do to help beside offering Hermione clean hankies and putting his arm around her for comfort and supper. He can go visit all her Oxford and St. Emrys professors to let them know she'll be missing a few days of classes.
Still Haven't Mentioned Edmond
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 04-12-07 18:04
"They were practicing you lot awfully hard today."
Py looks over his menu at Edmond, still unable to think of this man as "Dad" or "Father" or any other patronymic nicknames. Once upon a time, Py had thought it would be easy to consider is biological father his dad, even if it was only in thought for someone he believed to be dead. Faced with the man himself, Py's found it difficult to think of anyone but Muggle born Paul Fine as his father. Who would have thought?
Edmond waves his hand at Py, who lowers his menu saying, "Sorry. Was sort of day dreaming. We've got a four team tournament this weekend. The games don't count towards the regular season. It's all for charity."
"Living in the Muggle World now, I don't follow Quidditch like I used to. I should know more about the Humbatas though simply because you're on the team. I apologize for my ignorance."
Py shrugs it off. "No need to."
"Where is the tournament? Here?"
"No, in Canada. The host team is the Moose Jaw Meteorites. The other two teams are the Tchamba Charmers and the Toyohashi Tengu. Would you like a ticket? Or tickets?"
"Yes, you know, I think I might. Just one. I don't have anyone to take with me. Here comes the waitress. Know what you want?"
Py looks back down at the menu and rapidly chooses between the two entrees he'd been debating between. Looking back across the table, Py make the mental note to get Edmond a ticket that's clear on the other side of the stadium from where Mum and Dad will be sitting. That or finally tell them about how Graham Hipworth isn't dead and has been living under the name Edmond Jeffers, and while he's at it, mention that Edmond has begun coming to watch practice once or twice a week, after which he and Py go for a meal, such as this late lunch/early supper.
Getting a ticket clear on the other side of the stadium would be much easier.
Don't Let Me Splinch
Author: Bailey
Date: 04-12-07 20:32
While waiting his turn for apparition testing Bailey does his Herbology assignment from this morning then rereads the information for Wednesday's Divination class. He wouldn't have minded passing the time talking with Jewel but she was first in conversation with her step-brother and then with some of her friends. Bailey hadn't wanted to intrude.
Others waiting either talked in low voices, did work for classes as Bailey was, or stayed silent, probably thinking about the three D's for apparating Wilkie Twycross drummed into them. Bailey doesn't want to dwell too much on the test at hand. He's under enough pressure about it as it is.
Bailey's parents, Ian and Lisbeth, upon learning that apparition testing is today, had let Bailey know that no one on either side of the famiy has EVER failed the test and been forced to retry, or worse, repeatedly failed to ultimately be denied an apparating license. The Grays had made it clear just how unacceptable it would be for Bailey to do anything other than to easily pass the test. His mother especially had expressed just how embarrassing it would be if any of the ladies she socializes with were to learn that Bailey failed his first attempt at getting the license. Ian Gray had out and out stated blunted that HIS son would not be the first Gray to be a failure at apparating.
When Bailey's name is called, he clears his mind of everything but the three D's: Deliberation, Destination, Determination. Bailey shakes his head to clear it again. Nothing like going into this thing with the three D's all wrong. Destination. Determination. Deliberation. That's the correct order.
Focusing, Bailey feels the odd sensation that he's come to association with apparating. Please, Merlin, don't let me splinch! is Bailey's thought as he successfully moves from one spot to the other. Relieved beyond belief, Bailey retrieves his backpack and the work he'd been doing, exiting the Great Hall to send the only news of the apparition testing his parents would expect of him.
Hanging out with Theodore
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 04-13-07 20:12
On Tuesdays, Bronwyn took Herbology I from 9-10:30 and Magic in the American Southwest from 10:30-12. With it being a month into Trinity Term, she'd already had exams and projects in both. Herbology was, in many ways, a refresher lesson from everything she'd ever learned at Hogwarts. Bronwyn figured it would be a good idea to keep what she'd learned at her old school fresh in her mind, even if she wouldn't be using Herbology all that much in her life. Magic in the American Southwest, on the other hand, was completely new material. She'd never been all that fond of History of Magic while at Hogwarts, but for some reason, she found herself signing up for all sorts of history classes at St. Emrys. And they weren't boring either!
She slipped out of the classroom, her daily planner open as she scribbled something she had on her mind into it with a bright pink quill, and collided straight into another person.
"Steady," said a familiar voice. The owner of it put his hands on Bronwyn's shoulders to keep her upright.
"Oh, thanks. And sorry." Bronwyn smiled at Theodore Nott. "Just come from class?"
"Yes. I was heading to Orange. Care to join me?"
"I'd love to," Bronwyn replied with a smile. She shut her planner and tucked both it and the quill into her shoulder bag. "Emrys Fest is coming up," she said, motioning to the items she'd just stowed away. "It's getting busy at the studio."
"I didn't get to attend the last one," Theodore said, "but I heard it was a good time."
"It really was," Bronwyn gushed. "It went really, really well. I think if it hadn't, we wouldn't be doing it again this year."
The whole way to Orange, they talked about Emrys Fest. Theodore expressed an interested in attending this year, and Bronwyn talked up all her favorite bands.
They saw each other often these days, either on accident like today's meeting or during planned trips to Wyrding Way, Demeter's Diner or even the library. Bronwyn found she really did like hanging out with Theodore, even if he was ex-Slytherin and the son of a Death Eater. She didn't think he was anything like his father had been.
Hunter MacRoth saw differently, though. He thought he could see through Theodore's charming ways, though he had no reason to think him a bad man. His only basis for feeling the way he did was because Theodore was ex-Slytherin. In Hunter's mind, Slytherins stuck together. They didn't hang out with Hufflepuffs. So what motive did Theodore have to pretend to be Bronwyn's friend?
Bronwyn knew about Hunter's opinion but she thought he was being silly. Theodore really was a nice guy. Anybody could see that! He held the door open for her as they entered Orange and then offered to carry her shoulder bag while she moved through the lunch line. He didn't sit at their table until she sat down. Talk about polite! If only more young men were that way.
What's Next?
Author: Rolf Haaken
Date: 04-13-07 20:18
Jane slumps over the table, head on arms, moaning, "I can't believe he passed and I didn't!"
Doug and Rolf exchange "here we go again" looks. Doug pats Jane on the back. "You were nervous."
Rolf says, "You'll pass when you try again once term ends."
Rolf leaves off saying, "It's not like you could do anything between now and then even if you did pass." Yesterday when Jane had first grumped about failing to get her apparating license while Hank passed with no troubles, Rolf had made the mistake of saying that. His arms where Jane socked him still stings.
Jane sniffles loudly. Doug goes to pass her a tissue but ends up looking at Rolf, shaking his head, and mouthing, "I'm all out."
Rolf doesn't have any tissue but he does have some napkins so he shoves one at Jane. Her thank you is muffled by her arms.
Jane adds something new to her whining. "First Hank gets second in the Obstacle 1 and I don't place at all. Now Hank passes the apparition testing and I don't. What's next? Hank gets Acceptable or above in all his course this term and I get a Poor or a Dreadful in something?"
Doug speaks before he thinks, "Or Troll."
A half hour later when the three get up to go to lunch, Doug is still rubbing his upper arm. Rolf wisely says nothing but does give Doug his best sympathetic expression.
Tuesdays: Half Good, Half Bad
Author: Jared
Date: 04-13-07 21:31
Tuesdays always start out well enough for Jared. He gets to sleep in if he wants, and he often wants what with being so tired from SAT preparations and studying for the OWLS on top of his regular coursework. After sleeping in, Jared will eat a late breakfast and spend some time goofing around. The goofing around time is dwindling as Jared increases his OWLs studying, but a guy's got to have some time to totally relax, right?
Generally on Tuesdays, Jared will get some studying in and just before lunch review for his afternoon classes. That's where Tuesdays sort of all apart. Three afternoon classes beginning with History of Magic immediately following lunch. Whomever designed the schedule that puts any students in Professor Binns's classroom just after ingesting a meal should be forced to endure the same torture. This is a thought that Jared has often but would never voice aloud just in case Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall are within earshot. He isn't sure which one handles the schedules but no sense taking a chance.
Jared is certain that if there really is a hell, it's a classroom setting in which those present must endure an endless History of Magic class the Professor Binns way.
After History of Magic is Transfiguration. Going from a sleep inducing class to one where even inattention and the desire to nap are severely frowned up just adds to the nightmarishness that is Tuesday afternoons. Jared goes from Transfiguration to Potions. Professor Slughorn is all right. Jared simply can't decide if he likes the man more than just a little. There's something about Slughorn that can be a little offputting.
As he gets closer to the Great Hall, Jared pulls a wrapped box out of his pocket. Yesterday was Alanna's birthday but while he'd seen her and even wished her Happy Birthday, Jared had somehow forgotten to give Alanna her present. Though only a simple pair of earrings, Jared hates that he forgot to hand over the gift and can't imagine why he didn't.
Reaching the Great Hall, Jared wishes it were already supper instead of just lunch. His faux pas of not giving the gift would be out of the way and his classes would be done.
Plymouth Pitch
Author: Isolde
Date: 04-14-07 19:47
With the assistance of a cane, Isolde walked along the grassy turf inside the temporary Quidditch pitch constructed for the Plymouth Polliwogs Little League team. It was considerably smaller than a professional pitch or even the pitch at Hogwarts, but it was still bigger than Isolde imagined. Already, the stands were decorated with green banners bearing the polliwog emblem. Green seat cushions adorned every seat, so the Quidditch mums wouldn't have to use cushioning spells to keep their bums from aching while they watched their children play.
"Well, what do you think?"
Isolde turned and smiled at Dexter Littlefield. "I think it's fantastic. It's better than I could have imagined. I have this incredible urge to summon a broomstick and make a circuit around the Pitch."
"I knew you would," Dexter said, with a smile of his own. "Construction is just about complete. There are just some last minute details that need finishing, such as the signage at the concession stand. Plymouth Pitch is just about ready to open for business, or should that be Polliwog Pitch? What do you think sounds better?"
"Hmm," Isolde murmured, mulling it over in her mind. "It's just temporary, isn't it?"
"That all depends on how well the league does. If it's a success, Plymouth or Polliwog Pitch may become a permanent venue."
"Personally, I prefer Plymouth Pitch," Isolde finally said.
"Plymouth Pitch it is, then," Dexter replied. "We're going to begin advertising this next month. Trials will be in July."
"That'll be soon," Isolde mused. "Time flies by each year I get older."
"Funny how that happens," Dexter said, by way of agreement. "Well, I suppose if there's nothing else you want to discuss, I should head back to the office."
"Mind if I stay a bit longer?" Isolde asked.
"Not at all," Dexter answered. He nodded his head in her direction and then disapparated on the spot.
Isolde turned away from where he'd just been standing and looked up at the scoreboard. It read nothing at the moment, but she imagined it saying PLYMOUTH PITCH, HOME OF THE POLLIWOGS is shimmering dark golden letters. Isolde smiled, suddenly really glad that she'd decided to give coaching Quidditch a try. She had a feeling she'd really come to enjoy it.