|
|
(Happy Haven) Ready to Give Up
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 08-10-08 08:34
The wanting to go home was still there, but it was trampled and weakened somewhere in the darker recesses of the minds of Charisma, Blake, Eric and Adella. Classes weren't so much classes as they were another excuse to make them do chores. Even the weekends were full of chores and work and miserableness at the hands of HeadMistress Carrow.
The quad had been cursed countless times since they had arrived. They had all given up on crying themselves to sleep and thought that by now their families and friends had forgotten they even exist (or had been magically charmed to forget that they existed). Della had been sick for days, working and getting paler and paler as the days passed.
"I don't want to any more." She said barely in a whisper as she and Isma were getting up for their quick breakfast and off to class (read chores).
"Come on 'Della. You have to get up." Isma said, tugging her friend up and helping her into the drab set of robes.
"Don't want to." It was a sad thing to see her friend truely giving up on every thing. They were too young to be this disheartened with life, but it seems to be what the current Minstry wanted of them because they were different, because they didn't fit the ideal image of what the Ministry wanted its citizens to be. Never mind a large part of the population had gone missing.
"Della, come on. Don't do this. We are going to be in trouble if you don't get up!" Isma said, tugging on her friend's hand. However it was too late.
"You should be at breakfast and then at your lessons." A monitor's voice rang through the dormitory, and before both doubled over in pain after the cruciatus curse hit their forms. "You've five minutes to get up and get to breakfast and then your lessons."
The pair whimpered, and helped each other up, much to the dismay of 'Della, who was quite ready to roll over and simply give up. "Eric and Blake are waiting. Come on." Isma said encouraging 'Della to come with her. The pair were trembling, as they sat down for breakfast with the remainder of the students in Happy Haven. Miserable was the atmosphere even at the meals, soon enough it was time for them to hobble off to their classes.
A Usual Monday
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 08-10-08 08:59
She'd been up since about six thirty, why she'd gotten up so early she had no idea. She'd spent Saturday in Hogwarts with Brett and Maddie, and it was now Monday and classes began again. She'd told Brett what had been going on the past few months, including an owl to him shortly after the start of term to let him know about the abolishment of the official houses that Hogwarts had always been known as.
She looked over her courses for the day, she needed to finish her translation for Ancient Runes. She looked over at her roommate who was still sleeping, as Maddie's first class wasn't until eleven. She would however, be getting Maddie up in the next hour or so, so that she could come down to breakfast and she knew Maddie had to put the finishing touches on her History of Magic essay.
She finished her translation and after taking a shower, returned, dressed in her robes nudged Maddie awake. "Up Maddie, its eight. Breakfast and you've got to finish your History of Magic essay." Maddie groaned and pushed herself upwards. "Alright. Damn, don't have time to shower. Oh well, will shower after breakfast." Maddie said and slipped on her robes and headed down with her to the Great Hall.
The pair parted ways after breakfast and Maddie went back to Common Room A, taking a shower and then settling to work on her History of Magic essay as well as finishing up her Care of Magical Creatures assignment. Orei was still slightly grumpy because she couldn't play Quidditch because she wasn't in the Fitness and Athletics class, which was bullocks to begin with, but anyway.
Maddie lingered in the dormroom until about ten thirty and then headed to Herbology class so she could join Orei for the one class they had together today. Orei was done once herbology was done, it however was the start of Maddie's day.
(Brisbane, Australia) A Day Out
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 08-10-08 09:15
The weekend had been nice, the five of them had spent time reuniting and filling each other in on what had been going on with their lives since Bron, Desi and Lawerence had graduated. Toby and the Bandicoots had won the match on Saturday and they had celebrated the remainder of the weekend. It was nice to see an actual quidditch game since it was quickly becoming a rarity in Britain.
Now, it was Monday morning. "I want to be married, even if it is just a private ceremony with Bronwyn, Toby and Desi as witnesses." Lawrence said as he and Ariella finished washing up the breakfast dishes and were planning on spending the day together working on trying to finalize a site for their wedding (the full family wedding that they were both hoping to have).
"What about the...." Ariella got the question half way out before Lawrence turned with a grin.
"Oh, we will still have the big wedding with all your family there." There was a chance that Katherine would not be able to come, but neither said that. "I just want to be married to you Ariella." He tugged her to him and kissed her soundly.
"Besides, this will give us more time to plan a beach wedding, if that's what you want." He said with a smile.
They finished with the dishes and then headed out. "So, where do you want to go first?" He asked, allowing her to choose where they were going to start their day out. "Flowers, setting, or finding out what it will take for us to be married in the next day or so?"
Contemplative
Author: Anthony Beck
Date: 08-10-08 10:28
Anthony exited the floo and dusted himself off while feeling extremely subconscious for returning to St. Emrys, since it was well-known that some of his family members' loyalties seemed questionable and since he himself had played a part in the protest that had gotten his half-sister Katherine arrested. He still feared that someone would realize he'd been present at the event that had occurred so very long ago, but unless someone else who'd participated came forward with the knowledge, no one was likely to ever know the truth.
As Anthony moved down the corridor to his first class of the first term of his last year at the wizarding university, his thoughts lingered on Katherine. Her release from Azkaban had been scheduled for yesterday. Anthony and his grandfather Tobias had gone to the island fortress together to collect Katherine, only to witness her "relocation." Tobias had voiced his opinion on the matter and had nearly gotten himself arrested on the spot. Anthony, however, had remained silent, and his gentle restraining hand on his grandfather's arm had probably ultimately saved Tobias from the fate of so many others.
Anthony knew that Ariella wanted Katherine to attend her wedding to Lawrence. After returning home empty-handed from Azkaban yesterday, Anthony had written to her. He doubted the owl who carried the missive had reached Australia yet, but perhaps it would soon. Anthony knew that Ariella would be greatly disappointed by the news. He'd wanted to write to Alanna, too, but Alanna had expressly told her family not to write while she was at Hogwarts. Alanna wanted to finish her studies at Hogwarts without the risk of being branded a blood traitor, even though she had the same beliefs as the rest of the family.
Anthony really couldn't blame Alanna. Her life at Hogwarts would be so much easier if she could distance herself from the actions of Katherine, Ariella, and Toby.
He reached the classroom in which his Code Breaking class was scheduled to be held. Anthony slipped inside, noting that only a couple other students were present. Only one other student entered after him. The professor was an average-sized wizard with short black hair, brown eyes and five o'clock stubble across his jaw.
"It seems we're all present and accounted for," the instructor began, after the last arrival took his seat. "My name is Christian Edgecomb, and this is Code Breaking. Why don't we go around the room and introduce ourselves, and then we'll try our hand at unraveling a few different types of codes before we get to the less interesting portion of class, the dreaded lecture. Who wants to begin?"
The students looked around the room briefly, and then Anthony raised his hand. He stood, introduced himself, and then sat down again. A few minutes later, after the other three students had stated their names and a little bit about themselves, Professor Edgecomb passed out a parchment sheet with rows and rows of letters of the alphabet.
"See what you can make of this," he instructed his students.
Anthony, all his worries temporarily forgotten, got to work on the assignment.
The Unthinkable
Author: Carys
Date: 08-10-08 11:20
Carys walked with Professor McGonagall from the dining cabin to the open common area on the Goen Bren grounds for a five-minute breather before they had to return to their chores around the community. As they walked, Minerva did most of the talking.
"It baffles me how many of you remain pillars of strength after so long in this dreadful place," she expressed. "I, who have been here a shorter amount of time than most anyone else here, feel almost like I haven't the will to carry on. There is no hope here, Carys, and so what possible reason could there be for living any longer when death seems like a most needed escape."
Carys had difficult believing her ears. Professor McGonagall had always seemed strong, stern, and unwavering. She took a sidelong glance at the older witch and took note of the wrinkles that lined her face. McGonagall had always had wrinkles, but it did seem as if she'd developed more in the last few months. She did appear almost frail, as if the tough skin and unbending demeanor she'd always had had begun to deteriorate.
"There is a reason," Carys replied softly, "at least for me. If I didn't have my son, I think I would willingly give up too. I've suffered so much in recent years... the loss of my brother and mother, my father's lies and incarceration, the separation from my son... those things were terrible, and still are in the case of the latter, but this," Carys waved her hands around, indicating Goen Bren as a whole, "this is hell. I could easily welcome death, if it weren't for the hope that one day, I might see my son again, in this world and not the next."
She laid a hand on Professor McGonagall's arm and said, "Don't give up. I would be sorry if you did."
Before Professor McGonagall could react, a harsh voice rang out across the grounds.
"You there!"
Both women turned, recognizing the voice as the warden's and dreading whom he meant. Carys realized he was looking at her and felt butterflies begin to flutter in her stomach. What had she done now?
"Come here."
Carys didn't wait to be asked twice. She stepped forward, albeit not too quickly, and stopped in front of the warden. He gazed into her face and then let his eyes wander elsewhere. Then he turned, began to walk away and said, "Follow me."
Carys didn't want to, but she did as she was told. She had a sinking feeling that she wasn't going to like what the warden intended for her. He led her to a small building, vastly luxurious in comparison to the cabins the community members inhabited, and turned to look at her again.
"You're pretty," he said.
"What?" Carys was slightly taken aback. She knew she looked terrible. She also smelled strongly of grease from the kitchens.
"It's true, you are greatly flawed," the warden continued, as if he hadn't heard her outburst, "but I imagine nons are still good for something."
He advanced on her, loosening his belt as he went. Carys shrank back, very frightened, but she immediately realized that if she attempted to defend herself, she would likely end up dead and then what she desperately hoped for would never come to pass. She gulped, bracing herself for what would happen next.
Elopement
Author: Ariella Beck
Date: 08-12-08 17:11
Ariella, hardly able to contain the smile that stretched from ear to ear, held on to a bouquet of flowers Toby had picked up at a street market. She wore a simple, blue, floral-printed dress and a light blue cardigan over it. Lawrence held her free hand and smiled just as big.
Yesterday, after she and Lawrence had finished washing the breakfast dishes and cleaned the kitchen a bit, they took a trip to the small Brisbane office of Australia's Ministry of Magic to inquire about obtaining a marriage license. It seemed surprisingly easy to make all the arrangements necessary for a speedy wedding. With all that had gone wrong in the recent past, Ariella couldn't believe they'd finally caught a break.
They made an appointment for the following day and went home to Bronwyn and Toby and the visiting Desi, beaming and brimming with their good news.
Now it was the big day. Toby, Bronwyn, and Desi were with them, serving as their witnesses. Ariella wished that her whole family and all her friends could come too. Anthony's letter about Katherine's relocation had arrived just that morning and had put a slight damper on what otherwise would be a glorious day. Even if she and Lawrence scheduled a formal wedding around Christmastime, Katherine probably wouldn't be able to attend. Ariella, however, hoped for the best.
She squeezed Lawrence's hand, unable to stop grinning. In less than an hour, she'd no longer be Ariella Beck. She'd be Ariella Masterson.
Bulgaria - Wizarding World
Author: Drucilla Eternal
Date: 08-12-08 19:42
I approached the small village by the water and felt a wave of familiarity hit me. I couldn't remember the village, but somewhere inside me did. The smell in the air was familiar, I had walked the curving dirt road before, and even the way the tree branches danced in the wind all rang true to me. As I approached the pub at the edge of the village I felt my heart start to beat faster. This was the address Sirius had given me. This was where I would find true Veelas like myself.
Opening the door, I walked in. A hush fell over the bar as the bar occupents all turned to look at me. The place seemed to be filled with men. In fact, there didn't seem to be a single woman in the room except for one lone female behind the bar.
"What are you doing here?" asked the female in a language that wasn't English but for some reason I could understand her.
"I'm looking for answers," I answered back in her own language.
The woman frowned but quickly walked around the bar towards me. The men's eyes followed the woman as if transfixed. The woman took my arm none too gently and pulled me into a private room situated behind the counter. Setting me on a stool she sternly looked at me, arms crossed.
"What are you doing here?" she repeated.
I could feel heat radiating from her body, as if projecting her anger onto me.
"I was hoping you could help. I was told..."
Her eyes snapped with anger. "Who told you to come here?"
As I looked into her eyes I felt myself being swayed to answer her question even though I didn't want to betray Sirius. Taking a deep breath, I snapped myself out of it and glared back at the woman.
"Stop it," I whispered harshly.
The woman's eyes showed momentary surprise before lighting up with delight. "So you do remember!"
I felt confusion wash over me but hoped it didn't show in my eyes.
"Your mother told me you had forgotten everything," she said exitedly, "but obviously you have remembered or else you wouldn't be here now."
I felt my chest tighten and I had to hold back a gasp. When I felt composed enough to ask, I looked up at the woman and asked, "Will you take me to her?"
Her brow creased slightly, as if my question confused her, but forcing a smile back on her face she answered, "Of course."
Santa Cruz, Argentina
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 08-13-08 17:55
Lysander leaned against the door jamb and folded his arms over his chest. Michael and Dawn sat on a sofa and watched as their daughter held her own daughter in her lap. Another figure stood across the room, his back to the fireplace mantel, a chilled beer in one of his hands. The two men regarded each other warily, neither having liked the other upon their introductions.
Perhaps against his better judgment, and certainly with the weight of the contents of his last letter from Aralyn in mind, Lysander had traveled to Santa Cruz, Argentina with Michael and Dawn and little Charlotte in tow. They'd arrived yesterday, weary but not overly so, as magical travel was often speedier than Muggle forms.
Aralyn lived on a ranch in the countryside with her husband of over two years, Vincente Wolf. When not tending to the Granian horses he raised, Vincente worked as an architect at the Buenos Aires office of Wren, Inc. All in all, he seemed like an upstanding guy, but Lysander still didn't like him for no other reason than just because, and it seemed the feeling was mutual.
The reunion between Lysander and Aralyn had been awkward but also a vivid reminder of exactly why Lysander had never wanted to see Aralyn again. Instead of turn right around and go home like he nearly wanted, however, Lysander set his emotions aside and accepted the fact that the reunion would have to last more than a few minutes.
The grateful look in her eye did not go unnoticed, though after all that had occurred between them, Lysander could hardly care what Aralyn felt. She was very taken by her daughter, who thankfully looked so much like Lysander and so little like herself. Charlotte, a very peaceable child, seemed comfortable in her mother's arms. Lysander wasn't sure if Charlotte understood who Aralyn was, or if there was some innate sense that this was the woman who had borne her.
Michael and Dawn looked overjoyed as they watched their happy daughter holding their only grandchild. Lysander wondered why Aralyn hadn't given them more. She had a husband, after all. Or did Vincente not like children?
Lysander looked across the room at the man whose dark gaze roved between his wife with her child and the other man standing in the doorway. Vincente held Lysander's gaze unwaveringly. It was Lysander who broke away eye contact first, but only when Aralyn addressed him.
"How is Julian and little Grace?" she asked him.
Lysander wished she wouldn't ask about the other people in his life, since he almost felt she had no business asking. Nevertheless, he relented in an act of being civil and replied, "Julian's well. There's been an addition to his family. Grace isn't quite so little anymore. She's also doing well."
"I'm glad to hear of it," Aralyn replied, smiling in an angelic manner Lysander didn't think she capable of.
She rose suddenly and took a few steps to her mother, who opened her arms to take Charlotte. Then Aralyn walked towards Lysander and asked if they could talk alone for a few minutes. Lysander looked over her head at Vincente, who stared unmoving from the fireplace. Lysander dropped his gaze to Aralyn's face and nodded.
She slipped past him and led him through the front of the house, out the door and onto the porch. She walked up to the bannister, placed her hands on its smooth surface and leaned forward, blinking up at the dazzling sunlight.
"I wanted to tell you I'm sorry."
"For what?" Lysander asked, never having wanted an apology from Aralyn, since it wouldn't erase the past. He couldn't say he regretted having Charlotte, though.
"For everything," Aralyn said, turning to face him. She looked up at him, without the look of devotion and utter obsession she'd had for him years ago. "I had issues, and though I can blame them on my past troubles, I know I'm to blame as well. I mistreated you badly, and for that I apologize."
Lysander didn't say anything.
For a moment, Aralyn didn't say anything either. Then she said, "I think I've gotten my life together ever since coming here. Everything's been more or less perfect, with the exception of when they took me into custody after Sebastian Taite got murdered. Did you hear about that?"
Lysander tried to keep his face void of emotion. "I saw the headline in The Daily Prophet."
Aralyn looked away, out over the fields that extended in front of her house. "I can't believe he's gone," she murmured. She sighed wistfully and then turned back to Lysander. "At least they caught the guy who really did it."
Again, Lysander said nothing. Aralyn took this to mean that even after death, there was still no love lost between the two men. She noticed Lysander's gaze suddenly harden. She turned her head to see what he saw and grinned.
"Kristos!" she cried out, surprised and happy.
She stepped around Lysander and jumped off the porch, into her twin brother's waiting arms. "What are you doing here?" she exclaimed breathlessly.
"I heard there was a family reunion taking place and figured I should be here," Kristos replied, squeezing Aralyn warmly before letting her go. He looked over her head and saw Lysander glaring at him from the porch. "What's he doing here?" Kristos asked Aralyn.
Aralyn swatted his arm playfully. "Be nice." She then took Kristos by the arm and led him onto the porch, where she stopped before Lysander. "Lysander brought Charlotte with him. She's in the house. Don't you want to see your niece again after all these years?"
Internally, Lysander was boiling. There'd been no discussion about a reunion between uncle and niece. He ground his teeth together in frustration, but only Kristos seemed to notice.
Aralyn didn't wait for a response and went into the house, expecting both men to follow. They waited on the porch for a tense moment, staring each other down, before they, too, went inside to see Charlotte.