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Refuge at the Lake for a Little While
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 08-16-07 10:34
After the scene in the Great Hall, Isma had no desire to be trapped inside. She'd gone almost immediately up to Gryffindor Tower and dropped off her Herbology book and kept hold on the letter from Charlie. She darted down and out onto the Grounds. She had extra parchment, quill and ink. She was going to read Charlie's letter and respond to it right now. Hopefully she'd be able to do it without any of those horrid pures from Slytherin tearing up her letter again.
She settled on the bank of the lake and looked out over the water, a sigh sliding from her lips. She hated that she'd cried in front of Viola and Mortimer, it would only provide them with fuel to further make her life miserable.
"I 'ate them." Scottish brogue sliding into her voice for a moment before fading.
She opened the letter from Charlie and read it. Sighing, she shook her head.
Taking out fresh scroll, and quill and ink, she would start writing her letter to Charlie.
Charlie,
I'm sorry to hear about your Gran. I don't know if I can make it to the funeral, since she's not my immediate family, and with my "lower class" blood status, I doubt Hairy the Snide will let me off grounds for it. She doesn't really seem the compassionate sort you know?
There are a couple of Slytherin girls who keep harassing me, one even tore up your last letter after she mockingly read it. Then, not too long ago while I was eating lunch, Viola and Mortimer (two Slytherins) came over and were harassing me because I was supposedly sitting too close to the stupid purple line.
Someone from my house, Gryffindor, came over, she was a pureblood and a sixth year I think. Anyway, she told them to bugger off and stop picking on me. They did, and we got awarded ten house points because she was unerring in her house loyalty and standing up for her beliefs. Professor Flitwick and Professor Masterson (Charms for nons, and Herbology for the pures) praised her in that.
I like my Tuesdays and Thursdays, because I only have one class. And that is Herbology at nine.
She looked up as a couple of fifth years from various houses, walked by, mingles of pures and nons talking about something called Quidditch and they were excited about the Trials coming up. Trials? Huh? Isma would definitely have to look into this. But, first she had a letter to finish.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are killer though, because I go pretty much all day strong. Mondays are the worst, because I'm up until midnight, if not later, because I've got Astronomy at ten thirty until midnight.
I miss you. Tell your Mum and Da that I said hello and I miss them.
Love,
Isma
Letter soon signed, sealed and the first year was off to the owlry to send the letter off. She passed a few other groups of students talking about the Quidditch Trials, and it only further piqued her curiosity. She'd have to show up at the Trials and find out what all of this is about.
What Do You Believe?
Author: Viktor Krum
Date: 08-16-07 10:44
Viktor does what he always does in the days before the Quidditch trials for house teams, he rechecks all the equipment that he's already checked at least fifty times. Viktor also counts out how many of each he has of items like knee pads and shin guards. He's in the process of recounting the gauntlets that serve as arm guards for the lower arms when he feels eyes on him.
Theodosia stands in the doorway, leaning against the frame, her lips quivering as if being tugged upward against her will. Viktor's eyes don't linger on her. He's already back looking at the gauntlets, resuming the count when he asks, "Is there something amusing?"
"I think that's the third time today you've gone over the equipment."
"And your point?"
"Are you always this obsessive?"
"Vhen it comes to student safety and having equipment in good condition, then yes."
"What does counting those arm guards have to do with safety and good conditions?"
"I vant to be sure there are plenty no matter how many show up Saturday."
"That's right, the Quidditch trials."
Viktor, in his squatting position, rocks back on his heals to look at Theodosia again. "I suppose you vill be running the trials."
"Yes, I have the impression that I am to take charge. You'll still be there, right?"
"Vouldn't I just be in the vay? Excess baggage in the form of the Nons' flying instructor."
"Why do you do that?
"Do vat?"
"Get so snide and sarcastic whenever I'm speaking with you."
Viktor stands, absent mindedly dusting off his trousers. "Vhy do you think? You support the segregation."
"I never said that."
"Oh?"
"I said I do think Purebloods are superior."
"That's not supporting the segregation and the other rules?"
Theodosia's chest heaves in exasperation. "For someone who attended Durmstrang, you certainly see things differently than I imagined you would."
"Vhen you vere a child, did you have a say in vhere you vent to school?"
"No, of course not."
Viktor gives Theodosia a pointed look.
"All right, so I shouldn't presume that simply because you attended Durmstrang you share the views of that school What do you believe, Viktor?"
"I don't believe in vhat's going on here. You look at the faces of the Nons andd you tell me that is vhat you envisioned in your Purebloods are superior view of the vorld."
Viktor unceremoniously pushes past Theodosia to stalk about of the building, pausing only to snatch up his broom from just inside the office door as he goes past.
Lost In Thought
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 08-16-07 18:54
Sirius walks deep in thought along Diagon Alley. He should be estactic these days. Mira's home, safe and healthy, a delightful little girl who still misses the people she knows as her parents but who every day grows more loving towards Dru and him. James has never been more jolly, a bubbly little boy whose mum is still paying attention to him even though his sister is home again.
So why isn't Sirius happier?
To be certain, Albus Dumbledore's unknown status is a cloud over the British Wizarding community, particularly those who are members of the Order of the Phoenix. Adding a pall to his disappearance was the shocking announcement of a new way of life behind the gates of Hogwarts and, more recently, the announcement of segregation within the Ministry itself. These, however, aren't things that should affect Sirius's domestic outlook. They have impacted him, but he keeps telling himself he should be happier at home.
It's just that he's so very confused about Drucilla.
Sirius does now believe Dru's lost her memory. She's definately more like the woman he fell in love with, the woman she was before having the twins and giving all her attention to Mira as if James didn't exist. With no memory of their meeting, falling in love, getting married, Dru's never known exactly what to think of Sirius. She tries not hide it but the looks she gives him full of fear and uncertainty aren't lost on him. Sirius knows all too well that Dru doesn't trust him any farther than she could throw him with a spell.
Sirius hasn't done anything to gain her trust, to rid the fear from her eyes. If anything, pulling stunts like with the veritaserum lost him points with her. Having Lucius giving Dru just enough information for her to fill in the rest on her own and draw a negative conclusion about Sirius damned him even more. Sirius's impatience at times with Dru and the protectiveness he tries to extend to her that she reads as his distrust of her puts him even lower in her eyes. He can't seem to find the right words to sit Dru down and patiently explain himself, to get across to her that despite everything, even how she ignored James for so long, Sirius is still hopelessly, madly in love with her.
Sirius bumps into someone. Raising his head to voice an apology, Sirius bites it back, instead spitting out, "Lucius."
"Hallo, Sirius," Lucius drawls. "How's the wife? She send you packing yet? In fear for her life from the evil Sirius Black?"
"Leave Drucilla alone," Sirius snaps.
"I was merely trying to help the poor dear. It's what family does for one another."
"Some help. You conveniently forgot to mention how I was falsely imprisoned for years thanks to that ratfink Pettigrew."
Lucius smirks, "Ratfink? How very punny of you, Sirius. Is it my fault that you chose to marry someone who's rather on the dim side?"
The loud knocking on a pane of glass has Sirius and Lucius both looking around. That's when Sirius realizes they are standing directly in front of Narcissa's and who should be on the other side of the window doing the knocking? Knocking and now calling out loudly with joy at the sight of Lucius? Why the young woman whose picture Sirius has seen in the paper as the new Mrs. Malfoy.
Sirius is the one smirking now. "Yes, well, you would know about dim wives wouldn't you, Lucius. Going to introduce me to your lovely, young bride? Cecily isn't it?"
"Oh shut up," Lucius hisses. He takes a deep breath, inelegently barks at Sirius to, "Sod off," and with shoulders squares as if meeting a shower of stunning spells head on, Lucius enters the shop.
Sirius stands a moment longer, watching through the window as a squealing Cecily hurls herself into Lucius's arms. Another second later and Sirius is once more lost in his thoughts as he continues on his way to talk with George at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
Detention with Professor Masterson (Gus van Tassel)
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 08-16-07 20:41
Gus had been cursing Professor Masterson all day. Who did he think he was getting away with giving him detention? Gus was a pureblood, superior to the other breed of students within Hogwarts. Professor Masterson was a pureblood as well, but rumor had it he'd gone to Hogwarts as well, when that blood traitor Dumbledore had been Headmaster. So of course he was taught that all wizards and witches were equal no matter blood status.
It was precisely six when he knocked on the door to Professor Masterson's office. "Come in." Lawrence's voice called and soon enough Gus entered.
"Good evening Gus, I'm actually surprised you made it. Come in and have a seat." There was quill and parchment sitting on a desk across from Lawrence's desk. He hated this particular punishment, but it was fitting, perhaps would knock Gus down a peg or two let him realize that not all mud-bloods or nons were as bad or stupid as he may have thought.
"On that parchment you will write no less than twenty five times. I will be on time to class. And, in reference to your comment about you shouldn't get detention because you are a pureblood, you will for one week, choose one non and walk said non to class."
Gus glowered at the Professor, never once thinking that he'd find himself in such a position. Detention? Having to walk to class with a non for a week. He started writing the lines, and let out a howl of pain as the words began to etch themselves into the back of his hand. "Finish the detention Mister van Tassel." Lawrence stated, watching the boy as he grimaced in pain.
Finally all twenty five lines were written. It had taken Gus nearly an hour to complete this part of his detention. "Remember Mister van Tassel, one week, and you must be on time to all of your classes and so must the non you choose to walk with."
Lawrence then dismissed him and Gus instantly went to the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey had him soak his hand in Murtlap Essence before sending him back to his dormitory. He still had one part of his detention to do, he had to walk a mud-blood to class. Nothing repulsed him more. He had to sully himself, and he had to make sure that they -both- got to class on time. Trudging into his room he collapsed on his bed.
"How was your detention?" Mark asked, and he muttered something before showing Mark his hand, and then telling him the worst part of detention, that would last the duration of a week. The two boys talked and Gus decided that he was going to talk to Professor Yaxley in the morning.
Such A Pinky
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 08-16-07 21:29
"The Al-Fayyum oasis is steeped in history," Hermione informs Harry and Ron the second they apparate there.
Ron, in the process of pulling out the map for this oasis that he'd gotten from Kingsley, inaudibly murmurs, "And I suppose you're going to tell us every bit of it."
Harry, who'd heard what Ron said, asks with an impish grin, "What's that, Ron?"
"Nothing. Just was saying here's the map," Ron says holding up the roll of parchment. Even before he's got it unrolled Ron's suggesting, "Why don't you be getting the tent set up, Harry, it being yours, while Hermione and I start searching."
"What if we make quick work of it and move on?" Harry asks. "Then I'd have set up the tent for nothing."
Hermione's nodding. "We mustn't be so quick to presume we'll be here until nightfall, Ron. We might be done here with time to move on to another and get more searching done."
"I was simply thinking about how long it took us at Siwah," Ron states.
"Still," Harry says, "if we start with all of us searching, we'll get more accomplished. If we're still here at nightfall, with all three of us pitching in, we'll make short work of setting up a camp."
Hermione smiles at them both, "That's settled then. Unroll the map the rest of the way, Ron, so we can divy up the Wizarding spots."
Grumbling under his breath, Ron finishes unfurling the map. Hermione takes a moment to study the Wizarding sections of the Al-Fayyum oasis then efficiently divides up who searches where. Hermioe says, "Meet back here in two hours for progress reports," kisses Ron on the cheek then disapparates.
Ron glares over at Harry who looks thoroughly confused. "What? And don't you dare say nothing again."
Ron's frown deepens. "You are such a Pinky right now," then he too disapparates away, leaving Harry looking more confused then ever.
What Does That Even Mean?
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 08-16-07 22:03
"Wh," is all Harry gets out before Ron apparates away. Staring at the spot where a half second ago Ron was standing, Harry finishes the sentence anyway. "at are you talking about?"
Harry looks down at his hands, studying the smallest finger on each. "I'm such a pinky? What the bloody hell does that mean? Such a pinky. Does Ron think he's making up new, cutting edge expressions? Got to let people know what the bleeding expression means then. Such a pinky. Doesn't even make sense."
Harry, left to hide the gear using the spells as before, makes short work of it, griping aloud the entire time about Ron and whatever the hell is the matter with him. As Harry disapparates to his first area to search he snippily says, "Maybe it's Ron who's being such a pinky."
When Harry appears at his destination less than a heartbeat later, he's still talking to himself. "Why would Ron want me to come along if he's going to be a complete and utter prat? Or is he being an arse because it was Hermione who actually did the asking? But why would that bother Ron when it never has before? He's not jealous for some reason is he?"
With that thought, Harry goes quiet as he searches for any signs of the Adenius Aegyptus while racking his brain for something he might have said or done to make Ron jealous. Even if that's the case, it doesn't explain why Ron's making up nonsensical phrases such a pinky.
Harry stops to look at his hands again, trying to think of something that would lead a pinky into becoming part of a phrase that clearly is meant as a slam. Unable to think of anything at all, Harry shrugs and starts searching for the flower again. Within minutes, he's once more talking aloud, keeping up a running dialogue as he tries to figure out why Ron's being an ass and what the hell it's supposed to mean when Ron says Harry is such a pinky.
Almost
Author: Skyler
Date: 08-17-07 04:34
Jake stayed away from Skyler for the remainder of the day. By dinner Deely had written her back, saying to give Jake a chance. Deely said he had written her a letter as apologizing for what he did. Sky looked across the table at Jake. He looked up at the same time and they stared at one another for moment before Sky looked back down. She couldn't eat anymore and decided to leave the great hall. As she walked out she saw her cousin heading outside. She smiled and knew he was heading out there to see his girlfriend. She knew she could have that with Jake but she wasn't sure what was holding her back. She headed into the pureblood common room. It was ridiculous to have a whole separate room but she wanted to hear the radio. It was pretty empty which was definitely in her favor. She switched through stations until she came upon one she liked.
"You're listenin' DJ Wiz playin' all your favorite slow jams, so send in your requests. Next up is Sorry by Cassandra's Orb," the DJ said. Skyler smiled. She loved that song. She hummed along and relaxed on the couch.
I've run out of complicated theories
So now I'm taking back my words
and I'm preparing for the breakdown
Your t-shirt's lost its smell of you
and the bathroom's still a mess
remind me why we decided this was for the best
Because I miss you love
I miss you love
I miss you love
I miss you
love..
Skyler began to sing along softly so no one would hear her. She sighed softly and closed her eyes losing herself in the song. When she finally opened her eyes again Jake was sitting next to her.
"I like that song too," he said. Sky stared at him in disbelief. Her words failed her for a moment.
"Why haven't you given up? I turn you down everyday," she asked shaking her head. He gave her a soft smile that could have almost melted the ice off her heart.
"Because once you give up you've failed. I refuse to fail," he told her.
"I guess, but we all fail sometimes," she replied hoping he would say something to make her mad, so she had a valid reason for holding him off. She was running out of reasons quickly.
"Not when we really want something," he answered. She silently cursed. That was a good answer. She wanted to get up and leave him but something rooted her butt to that spot on the couch.
"I can't, I can't trust you," Skyler told him. He nodded.
"That's fair, but I have a theory on why you really won't let me close to you," he said. She looked at him and let a tiny smile show.
"Oh yeah?" she replied waiting for him to continue.
"Yeah, I think you're scared I'm going to hurt or leave you. You're dad wasn't there and you think I'll do the same to you as he did to your mother, but I wont. I couldn't do that to you," Jake said. She didn't know if she was angry by what he said because he was right or if it hurt her. He leaned over and kissed her softly. She started to kiss him back but her senses returned and she pushed him away.
"I'm not scared of anything!" she said defensively. He looked at her. She felt like he was looking into her. She stood and glared at him.
"Goodnight, Cortoles," she said angrily and headed to her room. He almost had her, almost.
A letter and homework
Author: Cailyn Spicer
Date: 08-17-07 08:06
An owl flew over head and dropped a letter down in front of Cailyn while she sat at the Gryffindor table trying to eat her breakfast. Her appetite had slowly returned and she had even started doing her homework. She still had yet to make any friends outside of Alex though, Oreileah seamed nice enough. The two had yet to really sit down and talk.
Cailyn, opened the letter right at the breakfast table, while taking a quick glance over to Alex. She smiled brightly at him and the returned back to her letter. It was from her father. Basically, asking her how things were going and if she was going to be competing this year with Moondancer. She sighed and looked over at Professor McGonagall. She was going to have to speak to the professor and find out what had happened to her father’s letter. She prayed that it didn’t end up with Professor Snider. Though she had a bad feeling it did. She hoped she would still be able to compete. The pure thought of speaking to Professor Snider gave Cailyn chills.
The professor had never harmed her, but she still didn’t like Snider. She stuffed the letter in her Herbology book. She laid her head down on top of her books and stared over at Alex again with a big smile. She motioned toward the door. He smiled at her. She did still have a little while before her first class. So that meant they had time to see each other.
After gathering her things, Cailyn walked out of the great hall. Hoping Alex would follow her out to the lake. She had an easy day to today. Only two classes and those two classes were some of her favorite ones. Herbology and History of Magic. She was so glad today was Friday.