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Shocked
Author: Ariella Beck
Date: 08-18-07 21:11
After dinner, Ariella started to walk from the Great Hall to the pureblood common common room when she spotted Lawrence leaving the high table with the intent of going somewhere in a similar direction so that they could walk next to each other. Hiding a smile by causing her hair to fall loose into her face, Ariella continued to her destination in silence for a while. When it became obvious that they were alone in the corridor, Ariella peeled off towards an alcove and stopped to sit and gaze out the window. Lawrence stayed in the corridor, but stopped to tie his shoe.
"I haven't really gotten to talk to you outside of the classroom in days," Ariella started, still staring out the window. She spied a shooting star and silently made a wish that Snider would get sacked and that Hogwarts would return to normal.
Lawrence sighed. "I know. I hate it. I hate this." He untied his shoe and then tied it again.
"Tell me about yesterday. Tell me about today," Ariella pleaded. She kept her face turned towards the dark sky, afraid that someone like Snider would suddenly find her with Lawrence. Better to seem as if she were just watching the stars than to be locked in an embrace with her teacher, like she'd rather be.
"My classes are going really well, for the most part. I have this one student I think I'd rather strangle than teach. He's a first year, Slytherin. He has the pureblood mindset, which is a shame. I suppose I have this naive belief that children, eleven year olds, should maintain some sort of innocence and ignorance to the evils and inequalities around us, but they don't. Most are carbon copies of those who raised them, and many are a lot more in-tune with the big bad world than I give them credit for." He sighed and switched to tying and untying his other shoe.
"He was tardy to class yesterday, so I doled out my very first detention."
Ariella turned away from the window to look at Lawrence for the first time. She had a small smile on her face. "I can't imagine it. You seem so gentle."
Lawrence gave a small smile. "Calling me a softie, are you?"
"Well, what did you make him do? Remove chewing gum from the bottom of desks the Muggle way? Fertilize your plants with unicorn dung?" She was almost laughing.
"I made him write lines."
"Sounds relatively harmless," Ariella replied, smiling.
"Not really," Lawrence said. "The quill I made him use draws blood from the back of the user's hand. It's not a fun experience for the writer, believe me."
Ariella's smile disappeared and her laughter subsided. "You used torture on a small boy?"
Lawrence stood up abruptly and moved into the alcove. "It's not torture. It's––"
"It's what? Just your punishment of choice for tardiness to class? I'd hate to thikn what you would do if someone did something that warranted a more severe punishment. Did he cry? Was he in pain? Physical pain?"
When Lawrence sat down beside her, Ariella stood up and moved away.
"Ariella..."
"Lawrence... Hogwarts has changed, and not for the better. Professor Snider and Professor Yaxley and a few of the others are not what I would call model teachers. If You-Know-Who were still alive, I think they'd fit right in with his kind. They aren't looking out for all of us. They are only looking out for those whom they think are worth a damn. I suppose I'm fortunate I'm one of the so-called worthy, but at what price? The "nons" are suffering, and in a small way, their suffering is hurting the rest of us. Did you lash out at that child because he was tardy or because he's a snot-nosed pureblood? Would you have used that quill on anyone else? Would you use it on me, if I were to be tardy to your class?"
"Ariella–"
She cut him off. "Professors McGonagall and Snape would never use your method of punishment. I don't think they'd ever dream of it. None of the old professors would. It's barbaric. It's vile. It's... it's something that Snider's kind would do. I thought you were different."
"I am different!"
"Then prove it!"
Ariella realized that she and Lawrence were nearly shouting. She decided she'd made her point and hoped that Lawrence understood her feelings and that she hadn't just gotten herself in trouble since she'd just yelled at one of her teachers.
Everything's Ready For Tristan
Author: Griffin Price
Date: 08-18-07 21:22
Griff walks around the small room across the one he's been using while living with Ruth, the room that was his when they first began working together and Ruth was posing as his aunt. The new crib, just right for a one year old, has dark blue sheets with golden broomsticks zooming around.
There are some toys as well and a bureau with some Tristan sized clothing so that Carys doesn't have to worry with packing so much every time Tristan is to be with Griff for a weekend. Ruth is bend over one drawer, checking everything again. Griff's not sure whether he's more nervous about having Tristan or if Ruth is.
She's definately acting like a giddy grandmother about to have her grandbaby visiting for the first time. It makes Griff wonder what his mother would be like at the prospect of her first weekend visit with Tristan. Susannah Price had been thrilled to the point of giddiness at the impending birth of her friend grandchild, the child Griff's brother Joseph and sister-in-law Hailey were expecting when the family was murdered. Griff thinks his mum would have made a wonderful grandmother.
He swallows a lump in his throat and his eyes go blurry for a moment. When Ruth stands back up Griff turns around to double check the crib isn't going to fall apart with Tristan in it. When he turns back, his vision is cleared but his chest hurts. He'd dearly love to have his family back yet if they were, he never would have been in the circumstances that led to his training, which in turn led him to meeting Carys, and from there to having Tristan together.
Ruth smiles over at Griff. "Everything seems to be in order. While you're picking up Tristan I'll pop round to the market and get the food on the list Carys sent you."
"You don't have to do that, Ruth."
"I know I don't have to, I want to."
"Here then, take some money."
"No, wouldn't think of it."
"Ruth."
"Griff."
"Take the money."
"Go pick up Tristan. Don't want to be late your first weekend to get him."
Griff makes a face, decides he'll find a way to slip Ruth the money when she's not looking, and then leaves to pick up Tristan, trying not to show just how nervous he feels.
Hope Dangles on a String Like Slow Spinning Redemption
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 08-18-07 21:45
"Would you use it on me, if I were to be tardy to your class?"
That question, that one simple question had all but stopped Lawrence's breath. Desperately he fought the urge to wrap his arms around her, but in her temper, he knew she'd have none of that, she doubted she'd even let him touch her.
Every time he'd open his mouth, she'd cut him off say something more, something more to solidify the fact that he'd been wrong. He'd been no better than Snider or Yaxley would. Hell, he'd heard that Yaxley had just used the same punishment on Kate Dewhurst for something that had happened in the Great Hall. Hadn't he just been with Professor Flitwick when Oreileah had stood up for a first year who was getting picked on by older purebloods?
By the time all was said and done they were shouting at each other. So much for talking without drawing attention it would seem. Though, everyone else was already absorbed in something else, the pures going to get ready for the Concert, the nons wishing that they could be part of it, but knowing well enough that they couldn't.
No, he'd not punish her for yelling at him, he couldn't punish her for being right. "Ariella..." He stated softly, wondering if she'd cut him off again. When she did not he continued. "The answer to your question is, no. I wouldn't use that punishment on you. I shouldn't have used it on Gus either. I know that what I did made me no better than Snider or Yaxley. It won't happen again."
God he wanted to wrap his arms around her, draw her into an embrace. Remove the pain he'd caused her, the faintest traces of hatred she'd seen in her eyes when she compared him to Snider or Yaxley.
"I'm sorry Ariella. I will make it up to you, prove to you that I am better than Snider and Yaxley. The other half of his punishment, just so you know it wasn't all the quill, he was instructed to walk a non to every class for a week, making certain that each of them got to class on time."
He didn't tell her that he'd been summoned to Snider's office, though Snider hadn't known it was him until he had shown up at her office inquiring as to why he'd been called there. What he wouldn't give to have a chance to undo what had been done, make a different decision as to what his detention would have been for Gus' tardiness.
His words brought a small amount of change in her, but not much, nothing monumental. He reached out to run his fingers through her hair, caress her cheek, but his hand stilled still a good six inches from even coming in contact with her frame. "You'd better go. Don't want anyone to get the wrong idea about us lingering in a dim alcove..." He said, but the words fought every action he desired to take. He'd been tempted, so tempted on many occasion when they couldn't spare each other more than a glance to throw caution to the wind, and announce their relationship from the top of the tallest tower.
Now, he was trying desperately to salvage the beginnings of their relationship...that relationship that had been so fragile coming into the school term. She nodded, not trusting herself to say anything else to him just yet, for fear she might actually get herself in trouble. "Good night Lawrence." Those three the last offered before she made her way down the hall, and soon vanished from sight.
Not At The Concert
Author: Jet
Date: 08-18-07 22:47
Waiting for Jewel and Bailey, nursing a flavored water, and rubbing fingers to one side of his temple, Jet has his eyes closed. He doesn't hear someone slipping into the seat next to him. It takes a moment to grasp that she is speaking to him. As soon as Jet understands that the, "Not going to the concert?" is directed at him, his eyes flutter open.
Leonora Torres peers at him as if Jet's answer to her question is an all important one. Feebly smiling, Jet tells her, "No, not going."
"Merlin, why not? I would if I were able. Doxycide is a great band."
"Would you really? Go and leave friends here in this regular common commons simply because you had status they don't possess?"
Leonora sighs, slumping down into a comfortable slouch. "Not when you put it like that. I did try standing in the corridor just outside the other common commons but I think the walls and doors must be spelled. Couldn't hear a think unless someone opened one of the doors to go in our come out." Leonora pauses a moment before saying, "I hear it's nice. Is it?"
"I wouldn't know. I've not been in."
"Why not? I mean even just to look around and see for yourself if what others are saying is true."
"Because I..." Jet's voice trails off as he tries to think of what to say. He ends up shaking his head, causing him to wince as fresh pain shoots through it, "I really don't want to talk about my reasons. I hope that doesn't seem rude."
Leonora shrugs then says with humor, "Now you're got me even more interested but I'll live. Jewel and Bailey are coming this way. Want to see if they'd be up for a card game or something?"
"I was waiting on them," Jet says, trying to nod without nodding so his headache doesn't get even worse. "Bailey said he's not to the concert since Jewel can't go with him. I'm sure they'd be up for a game of some sort."
"A game?" Jewel asks, reaching the table in time to hear that part. "I'd love to if Bailey does."
"Sounds good. You guys pick out something while I get drinks and popcorn. Leonora, you need anything? Jet, you want a refill."
"I'm good for now, thanks," Jet replies.
Leonora says, "Chilled pumpkin juice, please. You know, with most everyone out of uniform robes, it's not easy to distinguish who's a Non and who's a Pure."
Jet puts a finger to his lips. "Shhhh. Don't want to give Snidely any ideas for when we aren't in school dress."
Leonora instantly clams up as Jewel grins, "If the next rule that comes down from the headmistresses office is something about that, I'm telling everyone you jinxed up."
Leonora still looks worried so Jet and Jewel spend the few minutes until Bailey returns reassuring her that if such a rule is announced, it was probably already in the plans to eventually do so.
Not Explaining Pinky versus pinky
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 08-18-07 23:45
After two hours had passed, Ron apparated back to their starting point in the Al-Fayyum oasis. Ron found no one else there and knowing that when Hermioine shows, Harry would be most likely show up mere seconds later to once more interrupt Ron's chance to have a good snog with Hermione, or if Harry shows, Hermione would take ages to get there, leaving Harry to demand again to know what Ron's problem is, Ron ends up writing a quick note using a pencil and a wad of paper he had in one pocket. He keeps it brief, letting the other two know he's found nothing yet and he's going to go on and search another spot. He'll check in after that to see if either have found anything. Ron leaves the parchment weighted down with a rock and leaves the pencil next to the rock.
In the two hours since telling Harry he's being like Pinky, and continuing as he apparates to another spot to do a search, Ron can't stop thinking about how wrong it is that he so badly wants to be alone with Hermione on this trip. The whole point of this little Egyptian expedition is, afterall, to find the only known cure for Bill. His oldest brother is at death's door and Ron wants snog time with his girl.
That's not really how it is, or so Ron tells himself. Ron just really wants to closely share with Hermione what this trip means. If searching together isn't practical, given the amount of ground to cover, then in Ron's mind, a few moments here and there spend holding Hermione, kissing Hermione are the next best thing. While having Harry along is great, just like old times, having Harry interrupt every single time Ron is anywhere in Hermione's personal space is very grating. Can't Harry see that when Hermione and Ron are trying to have a moment, he should not say a word and back off for at least a few minutes?
His search of this spot completed Ron returns to the initial point. Hermione's written she's had no luck and will continue searching until sundown. Then she goes on to remind Harry and Ron to return then as well because they'll lose the light and heat fast out here in the desert so they should return to make camp as close to sundown as possible. Harry's message is much more brief. No luck yet. See you at sundown.
Ron apparates to his next spot to do a search. He gets that one done and another. The sun is low in the west so Ron figures he doesn't really have enough time before sunset to make starting on another spot worth it. He returns to their supplies and again finds himself the first one there.
Ron goes on and sets up the tent. If he'd had to do it the Muggle way, he'd have been totally lost. With a few flicks of his wand, the tent is up in short order and without any confusion or frustration on Ron's part. Next Ron gets a fire going and between it and the tent's kitchen, has supper going before ten more minutes have elapsed.
He's checking the chicken, which had been kept magically frozen even against the intense Saharan heat yet instantly thawing when Ron uses another spell on it, when Harry appears. Ron frowns, wishing it were Hermione because a few seconds alone is better than none at all.
Harry asks, "Hermione back yet?"
"No, but the sun's nearly down so I'm sure she'll be here soon."
"While we wait how about telling me why you compared me to a little finger?"
"Huh? I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Excuse me? You call me a pinky earlier but now want to claim you have no memory of it?"
"I do remember that. I said, and I quote myself, You are such a Pinky right now' and then I left."
"So why did you just now deny it?"
"I didn't deny it. I just told you exactly what I said."
"But first you denied it. I asked why you compared me to a little finger."
"What?" The light dawns and Ron's confusion clears. He grins with great amusement. "I didn't compare you to a little finger."
"Then what did you mean? What does any of it mean?" Harry demands.
Ron chuckles, "And everyone says I'm the dim on of the three of us."
"Explain."
"Harry, figure this one out yourself." Nodding at the figure that's just appeared, Ron says, "I'm going to go tell Hermione hello. Don't be a Pinky while I'm doing it, all right?"
Still chuckling, Ron walks away, leaving Harry figuratively and literally scratching his head.
Friday is much the same as Thursday, with the trio finishing up at Al-Fayyum and moving on to an oasis called Bahariya. By sundown, Harry, much to Ron's amusement, still hasn't figure out he means Pinky as in the House Elf and not pinky as in a little finger.
Giving It A Try
Author: Skyler
Date: 08-19-07 03:41
Skyler pulled away from Jake. He smiled and he reached for her hand.
"Looks like you're feeling better," she said and smoothly stepped away from him.
"What are you doing?" he asked looking a little confused. She thought for a moment.
"Going to my room. I have work to do," she replied with a grin. "Bye," she said and walked away. He caught her arm and shook his head.
"You aren't getting away so easily," he told her. She laughed and nodded.
"Yes I am. I said I'd let you kiss me, not date me. You have to be dying for that kind of promise," she joked. He laughed and shook his head.
"You are a difficult one, you know that?" he said. Skyler shrugged.
"Been told a time or two but what can you do?" she responded and began heading to her room. He walked next to her and put his arm around her.
"Hands off, bud," she said pushing him off. An evil grin crossed his face and she giggled and tried to run, but he was quick and caught. He tossed her over his shoulder in one swift move. She punched his back but he didn't put her down.
"Jake, no! Put me down. Hey! Stop touching my butt!" she yelled at him but still he carried her. She saw Alex come inside with Cailyn and yelled his name.
"Alex! Make him put me down!" she called out. Alex laughed at her but began to run after them, when three older Slytherins stepped in his path.
"Where are you going half breed?" one sneered. Skyler stopped laughing and stared at them. Jake felt her mood change and put her down. He turned to see what made her so upset, and before she could get over to Alex, Jake was there.
"Back off!" Jake said harshly. The Slytherins stared at him a moment before laughing.
"What's it to you?" one of the boys asked. Jake got close to the boy before saying, "None of you business, now go! Before I make you regret messin' with him!" The three backed up and shook their heads.
"Traitor," they muttered and stalked off. Jake smiled at Alex.
"You okay?" he asked. Alex nodded and thanked him. Skyler watched the whole scene and suddenly felt a new level of respect for Jake. The boys walked over to her.
"Alex, who were they? Are you okay?" she asked. He nodded and smiled at her.
"Yup, they've been messin' with me for a week now. Don't worry," he said. He glanced back for Cailyn who was already gone. She had disappeared before the incident had occurred.
"Thanks, Jake," Sky said. He smiled at her.
"No problem. They had it comin'," he told her.
"I'm going to see my mom. I'll catch you two later," Alex said walking around them. They watched him leave and Skyler and Jake were left alone in the hallway.
"Thanks. It means a lot to me that you stood up for him," Skyler said softly. He nodded.
"You're welcome," he said. "Look, I know you don't fully trust me but maybe we can try dating," he asked. She smiled.
"You don't ever quit," she said, more as a statement than a question. He shrugged.
"You're happy with me right now so I figure now is a good time to try again," he told her. She laughed and grabbed his hand.
"Come on," she said. It was her way of saying yes and he seemed to understand that and held her hand as they headed to the Slytherin common room.