|
|
All Go
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 01-10-09 15:24
"'arry don't look good," Hagrid rumbles.
"He needs to stop antagnozing the warden."
"I'm worried about infection."
"Harry can hear you," the person in question informs the cluster of people standing near the entrance of the hut.
I give Harry a tentative smile. "Sorry. We didn't mean to talk about you as if you aren't here."
"You should all get back to work so you don't get punished for shirking."
"Or you get blamed for us slacking and get even more punishment," Juliet Davis says. She holds up a bowl of tepid water and a sponge. "I'm at least supposed to be here at the moment."
I exchange looks with the others then nod. They scatter except for Hagrid. Hagrid doesn't have as much to worry about as the rest of us. He's so big the guards generally leave him alone and in turn it seems they pretty much pray that he doesn't decide to take them on individually when no reinforcements are around.
Juliet by this time is sitting on the edge of Harry's cot, her face screwing up in distaste at what Warden Bulstrode did to Harry's back. In a soft, almost hushed, tone she says, "I'm sorry but this is going to hurt. Could be worse though. When I was getting the water one of the guards nearly decided to only let me have salt water."
I can't say I'm surprised to hear it. It's just the sort of thing Community Q staff find amusing. Moving closer to the cot, I drop my voice, "We've almost got another raft completed."
Harry looks momentarily confused. "What? Was I out that long?"
"No, we just got really lucky. Some excellent, large pieces of wood drifted in and it came right when they were all so busy with you and figuring out the House Elf thing that we were able to get it done practically overnight."
Harry's wincing against Juliet's ministrations on his back. He says through gritted teeth, "That's great! More of you can get away."
Juliet says over Harry's shoulder, "If we're a little more patient, there will be room for all of us."
"Even Hagrid?"
I nod at the question, "Even Hagrid."
Juliet states rather than asks, "You wouldn't go without Hagrid, Harry."
"No, I wouldn't and it could be a diversion will still be needed. If so, I'm the best person for that."
"How can you say that?" I demand more loudly then I meant.
Pain evident in his voice, Harry waves a hand at his back. "I should think it obvious."
Voice drift in through the always open windows. Juliet jerks her head towards the door. "Better go, Aaron, before you're caught."
I'm already on my way, but take the time to tell Harry, "If we all are going, then we ALL are going. No discussion."
I hurry off, not at all pleased with the mulish look on Harry's face. Doesn't he know that he doesn't have to play hero all the time?
Friday... Just... Friday.
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 01-13-09 16:48
Orei sat on her bed, eyes shifting over her book for Herbology. It was the only class that she'd had this morning, and even that it was smack-dab in the middle of the day. She was bored, and Maddie was still in classes and would be until dinner time. She could probably work on her Ancient Runes homework for Monday, at this rate she could probably have her homework done for Monday and Tuesday at this rate, and still have nothing to do for the weekend.
She could almost hear her mother nagging at her to study for her exams at the end of the year. These were her final sets of exams and would ultimately lead to her graduation from Hogwarts. She also had an application to three different Wizarding Universities that she needed to finish filling out before the end of the term.
She needed something to do, pushing up off her bed, she would grab the stack of applications. St. Emry's would be first, because that would make it easy from the house in Hogsmeade. Massaging her temples, she was so far behind and seriously needed to motivat herself to get the work done. Maddie had already sent off her applications for St. Emrys, Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts, and Collaiste Draoid Eireanach. She'd also applied to several colleges in the United States and other areas on the off chance that things did not approve in Britain.
Orei curled up on her bed once more, and quickly began filling out the applications and soon enough she had the application to St. Emrys, Collaiste Draoid Eireanach, and College of the Plavidsow. Hopefully she'd be accepted to one of them. Grabbing the completed applications in their envelops she left her room and headed toward the owlry, she needed to get these sent off.
Once they were sent off she'd returned her studies, to get things done, so that she would get marks befitting attendance to one of the universities.
(St. John's Wood) In The Lab
Author: Majandra
Date: 01-13-09 17:47
Georgie has been so cranky lately that Maj has spent the morning thus far juggling between working on several potions and keeping the eleven month old happy. At least Miranda hasn't been complaining about spending so much time with the other children, which generally means away from her parents much of the day. Sometimes it's even meant going a couple of days without seeing either Maj or George. Maj hates that but with so much going on right now that directly affect Miranda's and Georgie's lives, it's a temporary sacrifice Maj is willing to make as is George.
Bending to pick up Georgie from the blanket on which he's been sitting, Maj tells him, "You need more than a clean nappie, Georgie. You need a bath. If you do this with plain sugar biscuits, I shudder to imagine what you'll manage when you're allowed chocolate ones."
Maj has just gotten Georgie changed and somewhat cleaner, pacing with him as he starts drifting off for a nap, when Severus Snape knocks on the door frame. "I've not seen your laboratory yet. May I look around?"
"Yes, of course, Professor Snape."
He walks in, going immediately over to a bubbling cauldron, staring at the contents and glancing at the notes Maj has on the table next to the cauldron. "Interesting use of chickweed. Given the ingredients the pale blue color is unexpected."
"Isn't it though? I've been trying to determine the interaction resulting in that particular shade. I was expecting the end result to be a dark peachy pink. Excuse me just a moment while I put Georgie down. He's asleep at last."
"He certainly has the Weasley stamp."
Maj grins. "Yes, spitting image of George at that age if George's baby pictures are anything to go by. That and Molly."
"Shame he doesn't take after you."
Maj chuckles, "Are you implying, Professor Snape, that the Weasleys are an ugly bunch?"
"Not at all," the professor replies with a decidedly neutral tone. "We are colleagues now. I believe it would be all right if you call me Severus."
This takes Maj somewhat by surprise. She smiles at her former professor who'd been a little bit of a mentor at times. "Thank you, I'm honored."
"What is this?" Severus asks, peering at the notes beside another cauldron. "Polyjuice Plus?"
Maj joins him near the cauldron. "Yes, the Order and the Resistance have been going through Polyjuice Potion like water. All those cauldrons along that wall are Polyjuice in various stages. This, however, is a little experiment of mine. If it works, Polyjuice Plus will have longer lasting effects and will also better change the vocal cords to mimic the person one is transforming into. One side effect of that I'm trying to counter is severe sore throat. I've tried a number of ingredients including eucalyptus and honey."
"Have you tried thyme or purpurea?"
"Yes. With the purple sage," Maj replies using another name for purpurea, "the sore throat was decreased some but didn't eliminate it completely. Thyme barely made a dent."
"Bistort root?"
Maj snaps her fingers. "I entirely forgot about that."
Going over to the large cabinet where she's got ingredients stored, Maj excitedly says, "I'm positive I've got some. We can take the base potion I've got brewing and get the bistort root added right now."
Soon Severus and Maj are at a table on which they've got the bistort root, discussing the best method of preparation for the root for the Polyjuice Plus Potion.
(Arsinoe Crumm) Stay at Home Mother
Author: Illyria
Date: 01-13-09 18:32
Not a cloud marred the blue, sunny sky in Mumbai, India, where Arsinoe, Quin and Alexandra lived with Erigone, Ione, and Atticus. The eldest Jones girl sat on the terrace with eight-month-old Alexandra in her lap and sipped a mango lassi. Arsinoe couldn't believe that her daughter was only four months shy of one year of age. How much time had flown since that frightening day, when Arsinoe had given birth in the middle of nowhere with only her capable husband to help her deliver the baby.
Soon after arriving in Mumbai, Quin found employment as a healer at the wizarding hospital in the city. Arsinoe chose not to work, wanting instead to spend every waking moment caring for Alexandra. With her husband, sister, and parents at work most days, Arsinoe often found herself alone at home with only her daughter for company. She didn't mind the relative quiet (Alexandra was a very good sleeper and only minimally fussy), but sometimes the long days with only a baby with whom to speak gave her opportunity to wonder about the fate of the three sisters whose whereabouts were still very much unknown.
Where was Illyria? Where was Olympia? And where was Urania? Did they still live? Would she ever see them again?
Olympia and Urania had gone missing around a year ago. Although mostly cut off from news from home, the Jones family had eventually learned that Illyria had stopped teaching at Hogwarts at the end of last term. They could only surmise that she'd gone missing, just like Olympia and Urania had. Previously, Erigone had been able to write coded notes to Illyria and receive replies. Illyria hadn't written since last summer, which did not bode well for her.
Alexandra seemed to sense her mother's sadness and began to whimper. Arsinoe started to rock the baby and speak to it soothingly. She allowed only one more wishful thought about Illyria, Olympia, and Urania before expunging her worry of them for something more uplifting. Arsinoe hoped that Alexandra would one day get to meet the aunts she didn't yet know.
Dinner with AJ
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 01-14-09 17:06
Phin's still flexing the fingers of his writing hand long after his last final examination of Hilary Term at St. Emrys. The exam was a one question essay. When time was called, every student was still there, furiously scribbling to finish sentences. No one did a shorter essay just to leave early. Each person in the small class stayed the entire time, writing as much as possible in hopes of getting as much credit as possible from the exacting professor.
Phin had been anxious about that particular exam, enough so he hardly ate any breakfast and was so busy getting in extra study time before the exam that he never ate any lunch. Now he's starving. Going to the door of the small private dining room, Phin peers out to see if he hears anyone coming up the stairs. Several of his friends should be here just any time now and Uncle AJ still hasn't arrive, which suprises Phin somewhat. AJ was wanting this get together and had wanted it last night. With this having been exam week, last night wasn't a good time for some of them.
Phin hears voices from somewhere near the bottom of the stairs. He goes to the top of the landing and sees Uncle AJ talking with Plum. Phin's glad she could make it and that she seems to be without Alex for a change. Since Plum's mum died, it's rare Plum can be social and even more rare that she doesn't have Alex in tow, though all that's changed somewhat since Kody's mum had Alex and Plum move in at the Reese-Emerson home.
Plum sees Phin and waves. She starts up the stairs with a smile, AJ right behind. Phin gives Plum a peck on the cheek then shakes AJ's hand. "I was starting to think I was the only one coming," he grins.
"I would have been here soon but the mum of one of Alex's little mates invited him over. She's taking them on an excursion tomorrow and wants to get an early start so thought Alex might want to stay the night. I hope you don't mind that I told her I'd be here for awhile should Alex decide to act up. At his age, he's not used to sleepovers."
Uncle AJ puts an arm around Plum. "Of course it's all right!"
"Make way," they're told as a big platter is sent up the stairs by Aunt Phlagmelina. Phin helps out by both moving and then taking the platter as it goes by. He carries it into the small dining room and sets it in the middle of the table as AJ asks Plum, "What would you like to drink?"
AJ's getting drinks for Plum and he when the others arrive. They all dig into the platter of appetizers AJ must have ordered earlier in the day, talking about exams and asking AJ how things are at Hogwarts. Just after they've each ordered entrees AJ gets up and makes sure the door is firmly closed and casts a muffling spell to blanket the room.
"Drake, is the RV still available?"
Phin and his friends exchange curious looks, Drake telling AJ, "Yes, though it still looks a vehicle called a Range Rover."
"I thought it's called a Land Rover," Kody's sister Kordelia says.
Drake nods, "Pretty much the same thing, or I think so anyway. Do you need the RV, Professor Hodfuffer?"
"I still can't believe you don't call me AJ and yes, if it's available, I could use it. That is, we could use it."
Kody swirls a finger to take in all those in the room, "We as in we or we as in you and someone not here?"
AJ runs a hand through his short hair, making it spiky in a way that Phin knows can have the girls swooning. His uncle looks like he's trying to decide how much to say right now. Finally, with all eyes fixed on him, Uncle AJ says, "Possibly both. With someone's help I've pinpointed Camp Lollipop's location."
The room is utterly silent, all of them staring dumbfounded at AJ.
Innocence Is Bliss
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 01-14-09 18:09
In all her life, Bronwyn had shown inquisitiveness in the affairs of others, gossip being one of many things upon which she thrived (shopping and handsome men, being a few other examples). She generally received her tidbits through acquaintances or from accidentally (and sometimes on purpose) eavesdropping on the conversations of others. Never did she go so far as to break into somebody's room and empty out that person's hiding spot for the juicy details of that individual's life. Never did she do something knowingly and willingly behind somebody's back without regard for that person's privacy. Never until Desi went to work and left Bronwyn all alone in a big house with nothing to do but get herself into trouble.
Bronwyn swore she would respect Desi's personal space from then on, but curiousity got the better of her again and she once again found herself unscrewing the vent panel off of Desi's wall. Bronwyn told herself that she was just trying to catch up more thoroughly one Desi's life after graduating from Hogwarts. Bronwyn hadn't seen Desi since then and though had gotten a recap from Desi after Desi had arrived in Brisbane, Bronwyn wanted to know absolutely everything her friend did and went through during their years apart.
She sat on Desi's bed and thumbed through the journal Desi started after returning to Seattle in the summer of 1999. Desi wrote about enrolling in the apprenticeship program for Magical Law Enforcement. She mentioned that the man Bronwyn had known as the Diamond family driver, Rich, had started his own very successful limo company. He didn't work for Desi's family anymore but he still gave them rides whenever they wanted, and for free too! Bronwyn would have to remember that for later.
What Desi wrote later in the diary startled her tremendously. Desi started to question her sexuality. She even mentioned that she thought Bronwyn was "hot". Desi never mentioned dating anybody or doing any kind of experimentation with the same sex and ultimately wrote that girls weren't for her and that she liked guys better.
Bronwyn almost let the diary fall from her hand after reading the entire saga about Desi's almost-uncertain sexual orientation. She didn't have anything against homosexuality––nothing at all––but she couldn't help but think of all the times she changed clothes in front of Desi and how Desi had labeled her "hot" and appeared to have written it in that way. She had never gotten a vibe from Desi before, not in their early days at Hogwarts and certainly not now. Bronwyn did believe that Desi didn't think of her that way now, but she still felt kind of weird about it.
She started reading the journal again. To her surprise and genuine delight, Desi wrote about a boyfriend. The relationship lasted all of five days because Desi found him cheating on her. She wrote with relish about beating the crap out of them both, betting she broke the guy's arm. He filed charges against her but she convinced whomever needed convincing that she was only defending herself. Bronwyn was impressed and somewhat shocked, since it really sounded like the guy needed to defend himself from Desi and not the other way around!
Next, Bronwyn read about a witch named Angela with whom Desi worked. Angela was a lesbian and had hit on Desi and apparently did so with regularity. Desi described Angela as being "like Bronwyn but that she can kick people's asses and isn't afraid to do so."
Bronwyn considered the statement. Did Desi mean that Angela had Bronwyn's personality in addition to being tough like Desi herself? Did Desi find Angela "hot" too, even though she didn't swing the same way Angela did?
Some of the last things Bronwyn read before putting away the journal were mentions of Bianca "finally leaving the country" to go to Britain, the apparent disapparance of Bianca and hers and Desi's father, and their mother's subsequent trip abroad in search of them both.
Bronwyn was sitting in the living room reading a fashion magazine when Desi returned home with a friend in tow.
"Hey, Bron. This is my friend Angela."
"Oh!" Bronwyn stood up suddenly, dropping the magazine to the floor. She felt a little weird, first at seeing Desi again after reading what she'd written in her diary and also because she didn't expect to meet Angela, who was looking Bronwyn up and down as if she were a piece of meat.
"Bron. That's cute," Angela said, stepping forward and offering her hand.
Bronwyn stuck her hand into Angela's and shook it firmly. "Thanks. It's short for Bronwyn, Bronwyn being my name. So you're Angela. Desi's gir–– I mean, Desi's friend. Desi's friend who is a girl who you know where?"
The last bit was directed at Desi.
Desi cocked her head sideways, wondering why Bronwyn was acting all flustered. "We know each other from work. She's in law enforcement with me."
"Oh, that's nice," Bronwyn said, politely taking back her hand which she'd noticed Angela had held onto for longer than necessary when shaking a person's hand.
Angela smiled and then looked around the place. "Nice place you've got here, Des. I want the tour, but I think we need to head over to Bonzai for our reservation."
"Oh, reservation? You two are going out? On a Friday night? Just the two of you?" Bronwyn asked, looking what she hoped was innocently from one face to the other.
Angela chuckled. "No, silly. The three of us are going out. We're going to eat naked sushi."
"What's naked sushi?" Bronwyn asked, never having heard the phrase.
Angela winked at Desi and said to Bronwyn. "You'll see."
Wisdom is Misery
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 01-14-09 22:01
Since when did Bronwyn start acting awkward when meeting new people? Letting her reading material drop to the floor, and tripping over her own words? Totally not like her. Something had been bugging me for a couple days now. Ever since she met me in the kitchen when I came home early.
Now, here’s the queen of social situations, acting like the clumsy fool. On top of that she was totally trying to look innocent and failing badly. She got into trouble. Question is… how. And to make matters worse, Angela had gotten us reservations for naked sushi.
“I can’t believe you’d take us there,” I sighed, “Why?”
”Because, I thought she’d like it,” Angela answered.
“No, cause you’d like it. I’m going to change before we go,” I told them as I started for the stairs. I moved a few steps and added, “And Angela, stay.” I heard the one word of disappointment from Angela, but she did stay. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to leave them two alone, but I think Bronwyn would be fine.
I headed up to the stairs into my room. I took a look around, and sure enough, nothing looked like it was touched. Something didn’t feel right though. Putting it aside I quickly changed from my t-shirt into a nicer long sleeve. The vent! It was tampered with. The screws were lined up wrong. Or maybe I didn’t screw it in right.
I figured I was just seeing things since Bronwyn was acting funny. Then I saw the book peeking out from under my bed. I wasn’t seeing things. Bronwyn had been in there. She had done some reading.
I left the book alone, and headed back down stairs. “Sorry to keep you two waiting!” I said with a big grin, “Let’s get going!” I quickly walked over and wrapped my arm around Bron’s arm. I nudged her a bit and with an evil grin I said in a low tone, “You’re going to have fun, trust me!”
I pulled Bronwyn along as the three of us left the house. I was going to have to talk to her, but when we were alone. Until then, I was going to mess with her mind.