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New Lessons
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 11-21-09 09:11
Sirius puts his first year Hufflepuffs and Slytherins to work. Monday they'd practiced the various spells learned from September through December. Today they start on something new. He's already demonstrated a switching spell that transfigures a teabag into a teacup. Now it's time for the students to try their hands at it.
After ensuring each student has a teabag with which to work, Sirius points to a box on his desk. "Should something happen to your teabag that makes it difficult for you to continue working with it, there are more."
The room is soon filled with the sounds of students uttering the spells and the swish of wands waved a little over enthusiastically. Just as some people raise their voices when speaking to a foreigner, as if the person is deaf, invariably there are students who think the key to success in transfiguration is flicking their wands as hard as they possibly can.
Sirius finishes up some paperwork, including making marks in his attendance roster, then begins circulating. "Stress the last syllable, Mr. Samson."
"Watch how you swing that wand about, Miss Moore."
"Good effort, Miss Hodfuffer."
Sirius stops to reposition Flora Dalton's fingers on her wand. He nods at her to continue, observing how she moves her wand while saying the spell and listening to the inflection she uses when speaking. He nods, "Much better, Miss Dalton."
"My grandmum would have a fit if she knew we were using teabags," Flora grins.
"She's of the school of thought that teabags make inferior tea, is she?"
"Yes, sir, very much! She won't let a teabag in her house and every time she visits us, she stands in the kitchen moaning about how my mum favors a certain brand of them."
Sirius chuckles. "I should think, then, that your grandmum would be quite pleased to know we are getting rid of teabags and making," he glances at the teacup Flora has just managed to make from the teabag. It's smushed in on one side, the handle is too tiny for even an infant's pinky finger to slip through, and there are grayish green flecks all over the teacup, very similar to some molds in color.
He swallows another chuckle. It is, afterall, her first successful attempt, even if it's odd looking, at getting a teacup and so early on in the lesson. Flora looks expectantly up at Sirius, waiting for him to finish his sentence. He gives her a kindly pat on the shoulder. "And making teacups." He waves his wand and the teacup is back to being a teabag. "That was an excellent first teacup. Now that you know you can do it, concentrate on making the teacup more teacup shaped."
Pleased with herself, Flora gets busy again and Sirius continues making rounds. When time is up, Sirius intructs, "Practice, practice, practice. Take a teabag with you and if you need more between now and Friday, I shall leave some in a basket by my office door."
The first years pack up to leave, some going to Defense Against the Dark Arts and others to Potions. Before all have exited the classroom, students from Sirius's next class begin coming in. On Monday, as with his other Monday-Wednesday-Friday classes, Sirius had done a review of the spells learned before the Christmas holiday break. Today these second year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws are, like the first years had just done, starting something new.
At 10, Sirius takes roll, collects homework, then starts the new lesson, transfiguring a single smooth river stone into several, identical smooth river stones.
Translation Hell
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 11-21-09 11:11
Orei sat at her desk, she'd switched to a day shift most days now that she was between terms at St. Emry's - and her manager could not have been happier. Orei had shifted her schedule for the next term so that her classes were later in the day - which meant that she could continue the day shift at the Ministry.
At the moment she was working through a translation that needed to be brought back to the legal department before lunch. The case was supposed to go back to court this evening. How she had managed to get stuck with the translation - one that had her head spinning more often than it felt like she knew what she was doing - was beyond her. She closed her eyes, massaging her temples and pushed away from the desk.
"Everything alright?" Elisa asked as Orei passed her desk.
"Yeah, I just need to get away from it for a minute. The words are going in circles. It's all the same thing over and over again." Orei said as she leaned against the cubical wall.
"I know how that goes. You'll get it done, you always do. We can't be happier that you've come to day shift, we need someone with your talent on the day shift." Elisa said and pushed herself away from her own translation.
"I think I'm going to head to the canteen and grab something to eat. I didn't eat breakfast before I floo'd in, and I'm starving." Orei said. "I want to get this translation done, and sent back to the lawyer in the legal department. I've even set my own deadline - two hours before it has to be back at the legal department."
"I'll come with you, I could use a bite to eat, besides my translation isn't due for another two days. Mermish makes me hungry for whatever reason." Elisa said as they headed to the canteen.
The pair grabbed a quick bite and headed back to work. Orei would settle herself back at her desk, legs curled beneath her and turn her attention fully upon the Fairy translation in front of her. It was audio - it was written - the sounds flooded her mind as she attempted to pull the words from it. She'd excelled in languages - and spoke at least four muggle languages and was also learning Romanian and Bulgarian and Hebrew. As far as the magical languages she spoke troll, giant, fairy, and she was finishing up learning gobbledegook.
She wished for her trip to Japan again - that was fun, and she'd enjoyed every moment. Her parents had been glad to see her, and they'd liked Jim, then again they'd liked Brett and look where that had gone. Damn it. She shook her head, pulling her mind back from the trip over Christmas break and spending time with her boyfriend and turned it back to the translation in front of her. Halfway through, she would finish before her deadline - or at least she hoped.
She leaned back into the chair, pulling her legs free from beneath her and listened through the pair of headphones at the testimony of the fairy that was on trial at the moment - the testimony that she had to translate. This is what happens when the trial's translator - Jamison Erics caught a case of the flu and went to St. Mungo's earlier in the day. She'd gotten his notes, and was finishing it up as they spoke. His testimony had been recorded at the preceedings yesterday, and needed to be gone over - and given to the Prosecution so that they had a recording of the events. Jamison had been there at the trial and translating during it, but wouldn't be able to attend today.
"Miss McCoi?" Came the sound of a man's voice - cutting through the sound of the buzzing and high pitched sounds coming from the translation in the headphones. "Miss McCoi?"
Orei blinked, and pulled the headphones off and tilted her head. "Yes Sir? What can I do for you?"
"My name is Cristian Evans. I am the defense attorney for the fairy whose translation you are doing. I thought I would come down and meet you. Also, I was sent to ask you if you'd be willing to sit in on today's portion of the trial." He said, leaning against the entry way of the cubical.
Orei blinked, stared at the attorney for a moment. "You want me to be the translator today for the trial? I know very, very little about the case - beyond what has been translated out of the testimony here." She said, still unbelieving that she'd just been asked to sit in on the trial.
"Yes, you have proven to have some of the best talent in this office, even though you are new to the department your translations have come with high praise and we would like you to sit in on this portion of the trial while Mister Erics is recovering." Mr. Evans said.
"Alright. I will have this translation for you in about another hour. What time do I need to be in the courtroom?" She asked, wondering if she had time to floo home and change into something more suitable before she had to be in the court room - maybe even take a shower.
"You need to be in the courtroom no later than three thirty this afternoon. There will be a seat for you there. I will let the judges know that you will be attending."
With that the man turned and walked away. "Blood hell. Now, I have to go to court." She shifted herself off her seat and moved forward - pushing herself off her seat and headed over to Elisa's desk.
"I'm going to court today, thanks to Jamison coming down with the flu." She said. "That was the fairy's attorney, and they want me to translate at the trial."
"Well, have fun with that. I do not envy you, already having to sit for a trial before the Wizengamot. It's going to be hell, and be prepared because it is going to be rough. Go brief up on your case and finish your translation. I'll bring you lunch in about two hours." Elisa said and shoo'd Orei back to her desk.
Seeing Dulcie
Author: Griffin Price
Date: 11-22-09 13:56
Having gotten off work earlier than expected, Griff apparates to Hogsmeade. Carys had several things going today and an old friend of Alun's had recently gotten back in touch and today Alun was off visiting. With Ruth also working Griff had brought Tristan to Blossom's Day Care and much to the delight of Tristan, today was a day a petting zoo was making a visit. Griff would have thought they'd save such things for warmer weather but then again, he supposes the limitations aren't as great when magic can be used to help protect the animals and the children from inclement weather.
Before going to get Tristan, Griff makes a few stops in the village. One is to the Imperial Crown & Cauldron to get an order of an excellent hearty Irish stew the restaurant makes. Another stop is to Briar's Bakery to pick up some fresh bread and, after the enticing aroma of the place hits him, slices of cake and a whole fruit tart. He also picks up a dozen of Tristan's favorite vanilla sugar biscuits.
When Griff strolls over to Blossom's a group of children are playing in the adjacent park, Tristan among them. He's having such a good time that Griff chooses to wait before picking his son up to take home. Thinking he'll go browse the mystery selection at Twice Told Tales then head to The Three Broomsticks for a hot mug of coffee or tea, Griff turns to go only to find himself face to face with Dulcie Kennicot.
Much as she's done for months when seeing Griff at the Ministry, Dulcie looks right through Griff as though he weren't even there. Griff turns and watches as she walks off, wishing she would have listened at least one of his many attempts to apologize and explain. With a shake of his head Griff turns back in the direction of the used bookstore. He's not taken above five steps when Dulie speaks.
"Did you ever care for me? Even a little?"
"Yes, and though I doubt you'll believe me, I still do. I never loved you but I did come to care for you."
"You used me; lied to me. Why should I believe you?"
"I didn't sleep with you."
"Because you never slept with me, I'm supposed to understand that means you do care?"
"If I hadn't felt bad about using you to get information, if i hadn't cared about you at all, do you think I would have hesitated to get you into bed?"
Dulcie's faces takes on a pensive quality. After a long moment she gives a slight shake of her head. "I don't know; maybe. Something I should be thankful for at least I suppose."
The children on the playground are being herded back inside. Griff nods in their direction. "I need to pick up my son but there's time to buy you a cup of something and explain why I did what I did if you're ready to hear me out."
Dulcie looks thoughful again then with a slow nod of her head she replies, "Strong coffee sounds good about now. Don't think though that this means I forgive you or will forgive you."
"I wouldn't be shocked if you decide never to forgive me but I am grateful you'll hear me out and perhaps finally understand why I did what I did."
Griff waits until they are seated at a booth in The Three Broomsticks and have ordered before explaining to Dulcie about Marwen and about who Carys really is.
Dinner with Desi
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 11-22-09 14:00
For Bronwyn, it felt a bit strange knowing that she wouldn't be returning to St. Emrys when Hilary Term started. Instead, she was in the real world now, with an honest-to-goodness real job. Bronwyn technically hadn't started working yet, though; she wouldn't until next Monday. She'd only landed the position yesterday (on the spot after her interview) and had spent today filling out paperwork and having an ID made.
Since Toby had a late practice today and a press event afterwards, Bronwyn made plans to eat dinner with Desi. She picked out the restaurant, since sometimes Desi liked to eat weird things that Bronwyn couldn't even pronounce. They went to A Little Pizza Heaven in Soho and ordered mini pizzas for themselves. Bronwyn's was all meat.
"So, you never did tell me what exactly your new job is," Desi said, after taking a sip from her drink. "I assume you're a WWN announcer, but for what and when?"
"Well," Bronwyn began, smiling, "the show is called Night Owl."
Desi blinked. "That would imply that you're working the graveyard shift."
Bronwyn shrugged. "It's not ideal, but I can't be picky. There haven't been too many job postings in my desired area and even though I've got tons of experience from my old job at St. Emrys, I'm still just a beginner when it comes to big-time broadcasting."
"So, what kind of music do you play during Night Owl? Or is it talk WWN?" asked Desi.
"It's the weirdest thing, actually. When I went in for my interview yesterday, there were the standard questions about my experience and work ethics and what not, but then the interviewer kept asking all these questions about heavy metal. What bands have I heard of? Did I have any favorites? What's the last concert I went to? I guess I have you to thank for my answers because I listed off some of the names on the CDs and posters from your bedroom in Seattle, and I told him all about the Rammstein concert we went to a few years ago."
"You're kidding, right?"
"No! The interviewer said I didn't really look the part, although I was wearing my leather mini because I'd forgotten to wash clothes, but I guess he thought I knew what I was talking about because he offered me the job."
"You're joking, right?"
Bronwyn shook her head at Desi. "No, why don't you believe me?"
"Because you don't even like heavy metal music!"
"So?"
"So you're pretending that you do!"
"I'm not pretending, exactly. I didn't tell one lie during that interview. I just, you know, really wanted the job."
"You won't last a week!" Desi exclaimed.
"I bet you a shopping trip to Harrod's with your credit card that I do," Bronwyn retorted, holding out her hand.
Desi laughed. "And if I win?"
"I'll set you up with the station manager. He seems like your type."
Desi stuffed the end of a cheese stick into her mouth. Bronwyn still didn't know that she was in a secret relationship with Xavier Schoonmaker. She took her time chewing and swallowing and then accepted Bronwyn's handshake.
"I don't want the date, but you have yourself a deal."
"Great!" Bronwyn exclaimed. "Be thinking of a good day to go shopping..."
Desi rolled her eyes. "Whatever." Then, "I can't believe you are the new host of a heavy metal show that no one will be listening to."
"You don't sleep at night, so you'll be listening," Bronwyn replied knowingly.
Desi rolled her eyes again, though Bronwyn was probably right.
(London, England) Breakfast Conversation
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 11-23-09 06:59
Having finally managed to get out of my apartment before work, I made my way to one of the local muggle café’s in the area. I walked in and easily found the only person I knew, already seated at a table.
“You’re late.”
“You tell me that every time I show up for breakfast,” I replied as I sat down, “I keep telling you, mornings and me don’t mix.”
“I know,” Xavier said with a bit of a grin, “But I like giving you a hard time.”
“You know, I realized, we always meet in muggle places. Why is that?”
“Because it’s near impossible for anyone to get a hold of us.”
“Oh, you do have a point,” I said.
“I already ordered for you if that’s ok.”
“Should be. So, I know Bron hasn’t figured out yet.”
“Are you actually keeping it from her?”
“Well… yeah…” I nervously responded.
“Why?” he asked.
“Well, because she is nosey and I’d love to see the look on her face when she finds out.”
Xavier chuckled a bit and shook his head. Then he said, “So, she doesn’t know?”
“Oh, yeah,” Just then, the food arrived and interrupted the conversation for a moment. “She tried to set me up on a date with this station manager at the radio station she got a job at.” I took a bite of the omelet that had been ordered for me.
“Oh really? Station manager at a radio station?” He asked between bites.
“Yeah, she’s the host of a late night heavy metal radio show,” I told him.
“Huh, ironic.”
“I know. I offered to let her borrow my clothes too, so she could look more the part.” I got another chuckle out of him, “Then, her hair and makeup… But,” I sighed, “She was adamant about not changing her looks since no one would see her anyways.” He laughed for a bit before answering.
“How did she manage to become host of the show anyways?” he asked.
“By using me for info. She just remembered stuff I listened to and stuff.”
“That’s funny. Which show is she going to host?”
“Umm, Night Owl I think it’s called. She starts Monday I think.”
“I’ve heard of it. It’s not a bad show at all,” He took a bite before suddenly, “Oh! Speaking of friends, Blaine and Bianca split again this morning. So, we should be able to get some work done again.”
“Oh good. Speaking of work,” I said getting up, “Gotta run.”
“As always, ever on the run,” he said with his winning smile.
“And yet you still give chase,” I shot back before giving him a quick kiss, “Thanks for breakfast.”