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Reflection
Author: Ella
Date: 10-03-10 15:18
Paying attention to Professor Flitwick usually didn't take much effort since he rarely lectured at any length and often involved his students in practical exercises. Ella found it very difficult to fully concentrate today, though, since all she could think about were the events from two Saturdays ago, when she had gone to Hogsmeade to see Zane.
It didn't help that Francis sat next to her in class. Every time she glanced his way, she was reminded of his part in what had happened. The cuts and bruises he'd sustained had long gone away thanks to Madame Pomfrey's magical healing, but what he thought about it all still remained evident on his face.
Despite her greatest efforts to concentrate on Professor Flitwick and his demonstrations, Ella found herself slipping away to that Hogsmeade Saturday when Zane had punched Francis in the face.
Ella screamed simultaneously as Francis flew backwards and stumbled over a chair located slightly behind him. Blood gushed from his nose. He sat up and brought the back of his hand to it, but the gesture did little to staunch the flow of blood. Francis slowly climbed to his feet.
Ella couldn't decide if she felt sorry for Francis or if he deserved getting punched in the face. She started to say something, but what, she wasn't sure, when Francis' eyes went dark and he suddenly launched himself at Zane. Fists flew, and tables and chairs were knocked over as the pair grappled with each other. The other customers in the pub scattered, though they only moved to a position where they were less likely to get in the way but where they had a good position to view the fight.
It didn't last very long, though. The barman appeared quite suddenly and separated Zane and Francis with a few skilled flicks of his wand. Another flick of his wand send a silvery goat galloping out the front door.
Ella gaped at the scene around her. The Hog's Head had always looked a bit shabby compared to other establishments in the village, but now it looked even worse. At least magic could repair broken furniture and put it back in its place.
She turned her eyes to the wizards, who were both breathing hard and giving each other the evil eye. If it weren't for the magical restraints keeping them apart, they would probably resume their fighting. Francis had definitely taken most of the blows, but Zane had gotten his fair share too. Ella really didn't like what she saw.
A second later, she flinched when she heard Professor Snape's voice. "Aberforth? I saw your patronus." He had his wand raised and looked ready to do battle himself if necessary.
The barkeeper gestured to Zane and Francis and said, "I believe that young man," referring to Francis, "is one of your students. He and the older gentleman just wrecked my bar!"
He wasn't angry, per se, but it was clear he didn't approve of what had just happened in his establishment.
"Mr. Yao, return to Hogwarts immediately and wait for me in my office."
Aberforth released the magic holding the wizards back. Francis immediately headed for the door. As Snape watched him, he noticed Ella standing there for the first time. His eyes narrowed.
"Go with him," he demanded.
"Yes, sir," Ella quietly said, fearing she and Francis had just gotten into trouble. She was hopeful, however, that any detention they got would end before the week of the first Quidditch match.
Zane was at her side before she had even moved for the door.
"We will talk about this," he hissed.
Ella didn't linger and moved away from him. As she brushed past Snape, she saw that his eyes were narrowed and fixed on Zane. As much as she wanted to stay and see what might happen next, she did was she was told and left the pub. Francis was waiting for her at the end of the alley. Ashleigh was in his company. She looked very upset at the sight of his bloody and bruised face and shot Ella a look of contempt when she joined them.
"This is all your fault!" she exclaimed angrily.
"Ashleigh, let it go," Francis said wearily.
Ella said nothing.
"I won't. I don't know why you had to go in there anyway," Ashleigh complained.
"We'll have to talk about this later. I'm already in trouble with Professor Snape, and I don't want it to get worse." He would have kissed her if his face wasn't so bloody. Instead, he took her hand with his least injured one and squeezed it gently. "I'll write you. We'll meet again on the next trip."
Ashleigh looked sullen but nodded. "Try to stay out of trouble until then." She refused to look at Ella again.
Francis said goodbye and then started walking with Ella to the castle. She wanted to say she was sorry for what had happened with Zane, but part of her didn't feel sorry. Part of her felt that it had served him right.
The pair walked together in uncomfortable silence, which only got worse as they waited together in Snape's office for whatever punishment he handed them. He showed up a good half hour later and questioned them both at length about what had occurred at The Hog's Head. Francis showed no qualms about telling Snape everything, which really made Ella feel uncomfortable. She doubted very much that Snape cared about her love life, but she later found out that he'd told Professor McGonagall about it. Unlike Francis, Ella hadn't gotten any detention, but she had gotten "the talk" from Professor McGonagall, which had been embarrassing and excruciatingly uncomfortable to say the least.
Thinking back on it, Ella could say with some confidence that she thought her relationship with Zane was definitely over for good now. She couldn't imagine that he would take her back for lying to him. She also wasn't sure she wanted him to forgive her. His last words to her had shown a side she wasn't sure she liked, and she hoped that he wouldn't make good on them and try to talk to her again.
Deep down, Ella knew that she had made a mistake in getting back together with him in the first place. She'd only done it because Francis dated Ashleigh and Ella loathed being the third wheel and the friend Francis gushed too about his perfect girlfriend––who didn't seem to fond about Ella anymore either. Ella found that a bit ridiculous, since it wasn't her fault that Francis had decided to pick a fight with Zane.
"Miss Harville?"
Ella blinked. In looking around the room she realized that she had everybody's attention. Even Francis, who was quite sore with her still, glanced at her with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm sorry, Professor. I missed the question."
"I asked if you might demonstrate Aguamenti for us."
"Oh, of course," Ella said, picking up her wand. Professor Flitwick didn't seem too annoyed with her for not paying attention, but another professor probably wouldn't be so nice!
Wasabi Watercress
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 10-03-10 16:38
Sitting by a little brook that runs past a stand of trees within view of the Quidditch pitch I lean more into Sage and sigh trying not to sound as if I'm someone who's tragically put upon. "I wish you didn't have to go."
"I know. I don't really want to either but I promised Birdie. Besides that, you have class soon."
"How did she get a name like Birdella?"
"It's from somewhere in her family tree."
I laugh before I can stop myself then feel the need to explain why I laughed. "Bird. Family tree."
Sage nudges me good naturedly saying, "Her middle name is Fladannia."
"Birdella Fladannia?"
"Sounds like she could be related to the Hodfuffers. I guess I shouldn't talk about her name though when my sisters and I are named for herbs and spices. Sassafras Marjoram, Saffron Anise, and "
"Sage Coriander. Let's have four children and call them Alfalfa Chives, Lovage Nutmeg, Tarragon Cardamon, and Arugula Paprika."
"Oooooh. Sorry. No. I've had my heart set on four called Buttercup Mint, Parsnip Clover, Sorrel Thyme, and Wasabi Watercress."
I sigh and pull away to turn and look gravely at Sage. "I'm at a loss for words. I suppose all there is to say is I'm sorry but clearly we should part ways. Good luck to you in the future."
"What? No compromise? No you name two, I'll name two? I'm wounded!"
I give a sad shake of my head and sorrowfully reply, "Not when it's so obvious that Wasabi should be Wasabi Parsnip and Watercress should be a first name."
Sage slaps his forehead. "How stupid of me!"
"It's for the best, really. You'll just have to find a girl who thinks Wasabi Watercress is an outstanding name. If you wait a few years, I'm sure one of those Hodfuffer girls will be all swoony for you and they are all vair pretty. Or, Izzy is in dire, desperate need for a boyfriend and she's holding out for someone like you instead of someone like those sweet titchy boys Wilbur and Luke. Only, they aren't very titchy anymore. You'd think Izzy, and Catherine, would love to swoop in there, but no. I shall set Izzy and you up on a date. You'd like her quite a lot. She's a tiny bit taller then me. Has pretty hair though she had a bad habit of flicking her bangs. Vair smart, most of the time anyway."
Sage laughs, "I know Izzy. You don't have to sell her."
"You know Izzy as my bestest pally and have not ever thought of her as date material. I am just trying to help you see her in a different light, unless you are more interested in Catherine that is though Izzy is more the Wasabi Watercress type. Now, if we were talking about Aubrey Abercrombie, she is more the type to want names such as Claire and William. Perfectly good names, mind you, but not at all interesting or unique. She would look down upon Wasabi Watercress but not because Wasabi is better suited with Parsnip than Parsnip is with Clover."
"So you're saying that now you've dumped me I shouldn't go running to Aubrey to be consoled."
I start snickering then but that soon turns into great honking laughter. Sage is laughing as well but I can tell he has no idea what set me off into such comedic spasms. When I can breath again I tell him, "You. Running to Aubrey. And here I thought I was the funny one in this couple."
Sage grins and kisses me before getting to his feet. He holds out a hand to help me up. "I hate to end the fun but if I don't get going I'll be late and while Birdie won't mind so long as I'm there, I'll have to listen to Da bitch at me for failing to be punctual."
We walk hand in hand to the gate, having a quick, last snog before he steps in the direction of Hogsmeade then once clear of the school grounds disapparates and I go in search of Izzy, Catherine, and Edith in the Great Hall where they are probably finishing up lunch before we all have to be in Transfiguration for 1 o'clock.
Fan Girls With Mad Crushes (Cat)
Author: Fionna
Date: 10-03-10 17:41
Catriona chases a lone pea around on her plate before decided to use a bit of bread to help. Once she's successfully stopped the pea from rolling and is able to spear it Cat comtemplates her now empty plate. Does she want something more or is she fine until after Charms ends at 3? While deciding upon a small piece of fried fish with a few hot, steamy chips, she listens as Bianca and Polly discuss a subject that's been a running topic of conversation among many girls their ages since the return to Hogwarts the 1st of September: Gus van Tassel.
"His biceps are bigger, I'm telling you," Bianca firmly states. "It's all that working out for the Quidditch team."
"I heard he used some sort of growth hormone potion over the summer and is still using a little every day to give the appearance of slow, natural growth," Polly replies.
Cat joins in by asking, "Who said that?"
"Sonya told me who heard it from Alan Birdwell who said Joanna Porter told him and that she'd heard it from Wilhelmina Kluck. Wilhelmina overheard it in the girls' third floor loo nearest the main stairs when Lucy Khan told Dinah Northington."
Cat shakes her head. "I don't know who Lucy and Dinah are."
Bianca supplies, "In Slytherin. Lucy's second year. Dinah's first. I don't think he's on any sort of potion. I think he's just had a regular growing spell like kids our age do. He grew and got hunkier. That he got cuter in the face is just bonus for us who look at him."
"And you do look," Cat grins. "You too, Polly?"
"Me? No. Every now and then as I'm looking around he gets into my line of sight."
Bianca snorts at that. "Yes, swiveling fully around when Gus van Tassel came into the Great Hall and walked directly behind you is him accidently getting into your line of sight."
"I dropped my napkin and somehow kicked it behind me so had to turn to get it. Can I help it that was the exact moment he walked by?"
Cat points her fork from one to the other. "You're both acting like fan girls with mad crushes. You should get his autograph."
Polly tosses a bit of crust from her sandwich at Cat. "As if you haven't looked yourself."
"I've looked a few times, sure. I just haven't sat staring at him for entire meals like some or entire class periods for that matter."
Polly makes a small sound. "I wish I had classes with him to be able to stare the entire time. Stupid Happy Haven putting me back a year."
Bianca says, "Just think, back when we were all first years, I would never have imagined being good friends now with someone who isn't a pureblood much less a Gryffindor to boot."
"And I wouldn't have thought I'd be friends with a Slytherin who used to be such a stuck up," Polly says with a grin.
"And I would never have thought I'd be good friends with two girls who are only able these days to discuss Gus van Tassel and his muscles," Cat laughs.
The back and forth teasing, all in good fun, continues until it's time for Bianca to go to Charms, Polly to Potions, and Cat to Transfiguration. Passing Christopher on the way out of the Great Hall where he's sitting with some of the others on the IQT team talking about upcoming exhibition matches, she taps him on the shoulder to give him a smile and a wave. He grins back then hurries to grab up his belongings, running to catch up with Cat to walk her to Transfiguration before going on to his Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
Urgent Owl
Author: Marzipan
Date: 10-03-10 18:38
The owl came in the middle of Marzipan's first year Gryffindor and Hufflepuff class. She was lecturing on the porcupine shrub, a magical plant that would shoot out its spines if it felt threatened. Not one to normally pause her class to read a newly arrived letter from her mum, Marzipan somehow felt that this one was urgent. And she was right.
Hardly able to keep it together, she managed to arrange for Professor Grubbly-Plank to resume her class and to teach her afternoon classes as well. Then she left Hogwarts for St. Mungo's Hospital.
"Weston!" Marzi exclaimed, when she entered the hospital and found him just ahead of her in the reception area.
He turned at her voice and pulled her into a tight hug. "So she owled you too."
"Yes. It's terrible!" Marzi was on the verge of tears, but she didn't want to cry. Not yet. Not when she knew her mother needed her to be strong.
"Let's see if we have good news about Carolina," Weston suggested solemnly. He kept his arm around his wife's shoulders as they walked to the lifts.
Georgia's letter had been brief and to the point. Carolina and Caleb had been in a terrible car accident in London. Carolina, like her father before her, had continued to live in the Muggle world, despite being a pureblood witch. She'd grown up around cars and vastly preferred them to magical forms of travel.
Sadly, Caleb had gotten ejected from the vehicle and died instantly. Carolina had wound up seriously injured. Luckily, little Carter hadn't been in the car with them at the time of the accident.
The lift carried Marzi and Weston to the emergency ward. They rounded the corner and found Georgia hanging limp in her son's arms. She cried uncontrollably. Marius, for his part, looked devastated, but he also looked like he was in shock.
He looked up at his half-brother and half-sister as they approached and croaked out, "She's gone. My sister is dead."
Marzi went to her mother and sank to the floor. The last time there had been a death in the family had been when Georgia's live-in husband Constantius, the father of Carolina and Marius, had killed himself after murdering Marzi's father. That had been a little more than three years ago to the day.
Back then, Georgia had blamed Marzi for the murder-suicide of her two husbands. Their relationship, which had been nonexistant for so long, had taken a significant turn for the worse. It was only after Marzi had gotten snatched and through Weston's insistence that Georgia had gradually changed her mind about her eldest child. Now it was as if the past had never happened. Their relationship was what it should always have been.
"She's gone," Marius said again, in disbelief.
Marzi put her arms around both her mother and her half-brother, with Weston soon joining the group hug. The furthest thought from their minds was what would happen to baby Carter now that he was an orphan. All any of them could think of was the loss of Carolina and her husband Caleb, both of whom had been far too young to die.
Unwanted Visitor
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 10-04-10 08:06
The door to Twice Told Tales had been propped open for most of the day to allow the fresh, fall air to circulate throughout the building. Dexter lounged on the floor in the doorway, basking in the patch of sun warming his fur and breathing in the crisp air. He longed to go outside but was prevented from doing so because of a magical pet barrier over the door.
Each time a customer entered the shoppe, he or she had to step over the cat, who could not be swayed to move from his comfortable place in the doorway. So far, no one had complained, not even those customers who weren't terribly fond of cats.
Lysander and Julian and their employees had kept relatively busy throughout the day. The fine weather made for a prime day to go out and about running errands. Julian had just ducked into the office to do some accounting work, and the others had already gone home for the day. That left Lysander manning the front counter.
He rang up a large purchase for an elderly wizard who had a fondness for reading and for sharing his favorite books with his grandchildren, who he would be visiting later in the week, and then stooped to a lower cabinet to replenish the stack of bags with the Twice Told Tales logo on them on the existing, smaller stack on the counter top.
When he stood upright again, he jumped with a start. The elderly wizard had already left with his purchases, and in his place stood Aralyn Fox. She had a serious look on her face, and her arms were crossed over her chest. Lysander felt regret in having the front door ajar, since it meant that anyone entering didn't trigger the bell over it. He would have liked to have some warning, however short, of her arrival.
"Aralyn, what are you doing here?" he asked.
"Can't I stop by to see my old friend?" she countered smoothly.
Lysander shrugged and tried to act polite. "Sure, but what brings you to the country? Visiting your parents?"
"Yes," she said, "and I wanted to check on something here."
"Oh? Is there a certain book you wanted to find?"
"No, I'm looking for a person."
Lysander tried to keep his facial expression neutral. "I'm not sure I can help with that."
"Sure you can. I'm looking for you wife."
Lysander had anticipated that Aralyn would say something to catch him off guard, so he didn't react to her statement, though he did feel a little panicked. He did not want her to ever find out the truth about Charlotte, and finding out that Chyler was dead and not the baby's mother would pave the way to trouble.
"She's not here at the moment. I can tell her you asked after her," he calmly said.
"Where is she?" Aralyn asked.
"She's visiting her brother. I can give her a message if you'd like."
Aralyn didn't look pleased. "I'll just check back later."
She turned and headed for the door. Lysander thought about calling her back to find out exactly what she wanted, but he guessed that perhaps she wanted to tell Chyler that she thought he was having an affair with Astrid. He hoped that was all it was, anyway.
Aralyn paused in the doorway and looked down at the cat, who raised his head and eyed her critically. She knelt to pet him, but Dexter drew back suddenly and hissed at her. Aralyn pulled back her hand and stood upright, glancing one more time at Lysander before stepping over the cat and leaving the shoppe.
"What was that all about?" Julian asked, emerging from the office.
"She's definitely up to something," Lysander said. "She wants to talk to Chyler."
"So let her," Julian said.
When Lysander looked at him in confusion, Julian went on, "Have Astrid pose as Chyler. She looks the part, and with a little coaching, she can act like Chyler too."
Lysander was surprised he hadn't thought about it before. When he'd first seen Astrid, he'd thought she was Chyler, even though that would have been impossible. Perhaps if Astrid did pose as Chyler, Aralyn would say whatever she needed to say and then leave Lysander and his family in peace once and for all.