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Akina Shows Up Again
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 02-04-11 21:10
Even though it means having class from 9 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon, with the lunch break thrown in from noon to 1, Kissy is glad tomorrow is Friday. She's got plans for tomorrow night and for all day Saturday and is feeling much like an impatient, giddy teenager. Pouring a little wine into a goblet, Kissy carries it over to the coffee table and sets it down beside a small plate with a slice of chocolate cherry cake that she'd brought with her from the Great Hall after supper. As she sits, Kissy waves her wand at the fireplace and the fire she'd banked before going down to dinner flares back to life. With a few more waves of the wand, more logs have been added to the fire and the WWN is tuned to an interview of a popular band. Kissy's just settled back on the couch, chewing a bite of the cake and thumbing open the book she just began reading yesterday when there's a knock on the door.
Not expecting anyone and given the time of night it is, Kissy expects someone like AJ or Declan to be who's knocking. Rather than getting up she calls, "Come in," as she takes another bite of cake and reaches for the glass of wine to take a sip.
"Kissy?" a female voice practically wails.
"Akina?" Kissy calls, jumping up and hurrying to the door. She throws it open and sure enough her sister-in-law is standing there. Akina has several bags and Kazuki is asleep against her shoulder. Kissy reaches out to take what bags she can while simultaneously ushering Akina into her flat. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm sorry to just show up like this but it's all happening again. I'm certain this time that Zen is having an affair. I couldn't think of where else to go. Mr. Filch told let me in the castle and told me to come right up."
Kissy takes in Akina's seven months pregnant, disheveled figured and dryly remarks. "Mr. Filch should have seen to helping you up. How did you knock on the door?"
Akina lifts the arm that had just been bogged down with bags. "This elbow."
Kissy gestures in the direction of the small room she normally uses as an office here in her flat and that Akina used before. "Want to put Kazuki down?"
"Yes, please."
Kissy quickly conjures the crib she's used in the past and within a few minutes Kazuki is settled and the two women are on the couch, Akina with hot cup of tea. Kissy flicks her wand at the WWN to silence it then asks, "What brought this latest on?"
"It's like last time. He's spending a lot of extra hours at work and never wants me to take him supper. He comes home so so late, smelling of perfume and he never wants to spend any time with me, never talks to me anymomre other than to grunt. When he is around me he's impatient."
"You said all this last time then after a few days went home as if nothing had happened."
"I know and that was such a mistake!"
Akina looks down to her hands, a puzzled expression on her face. She waggles fingers at Kissy. "I keep trying to fiddle with my Traditions ring, forgetting I took it off when I took off my wedding ring." She hastily adds, "I took them off earlier today because at this stage of the pregnancy my fingers have been swelling. I wasn't even thinking about them when I left to come here. I guess they're still sitting on the bedroom dresser."
Kissy's just about to ask what took place to precipite Akina packing bags, grabbing Kazuki, and leaving home when Akina says as much to herself as to Kissy, "Funny, but last time I came here in tears, I'd taken my rings off as well."
"Why then?"
"I was trying a new jewelry cleaning potion. I'd just dropped my rings in when Zen came home reaking of perfume and there was lipstick of a shade I would never wear on his collar. I got so angry and well, you know I ended up on your doorstep."
"And today? You took your rings off because of swelling and ?"
"It seemed like a normal day but then because Zen said he'd be home on time for a change I'd gone to a lot of trouble to cook supper. After more than two hours he finally stuck to have him stick his head in the fire to say he'd gone out with friends for a drink and he was going to grab supper with them too. I said it was more like one friend and that if he liked her so much better she could fix all his dinners from now on."
"Last time, did you have your rings back before or after you decided to give Zen another chance?"
Akina looks past Kissy's head as she pulls up the memory. "Um. Before. Your mother had come to see me and she brought them. She'd found them soaking in that cleaning potion and didn't think I had meant to leave them, and I hadn't."
"Why do you still wear Traditions related jewelry?"
"We aren't heavily involved in the organization any longer but we still believe in its basic tenets. We all have a Traditions ring. We were even allowed to wear them while in Azkaban."
"What?"
"We aren't sure why. Our other jewelry was taken and vaulted until our releases. I thought perhaps it's because the rings aren't especially valuable but I really have no idea."
"And you all wear them? You, Mum, Dad, Zen? All the time?"
""Yes, for the most part."
"Was Dad wearing his while at St. Mungo's?"
"Yes, I believe so. Why the interest in our Traditions rings?"
"I think I'm understanding a few things much better now though I might need to borrow your Traditions ring to test something for myself."
Akina looks puzzled again. "Care to elaborate?"
"Not yet."
Her sister-in-law shrugs. "As I am currently taking advantage of your hospitality, I'm not going to press for more just yet. Anyway, I am suddenly feeling shattered. I am going to turn in." She rises to go, saying as she does, "Thank you again, Kissy."
Long after Akina has gone to bed, Kissy sits turning her theory over and over again in her mind.
Yew
Author: Marzipan
Date: 02-05-11 11:19
It was bitterly cold when Marzi set out from the castle to the greenhouses. She walked carefully, avoiding any patches of ice. She didn't want to fall and hurt herself or her baby, but even if she slipped, hopefully she could keep herself upright with some quick thinking.
Marzi made it to the greenhouses without incident and went to number three, where she would be holding her first class of the morning. Her third years were currently learning about wand trees, and today's subject would be yew.
There were a number of varieties of yew: European or Common Yew, Pacific Yew or Western Yew, Canadian Yew, Chinese Yew, Japanese Yew, Florida Yew, Mexican Yew, Sumatran Yew, Himalayan Yew, and a few others, too. Marzi planned on teaching about the European type, though she would touch upon some of the others as well.
She didn't have a large sample of yew to show off to her students, but she did have a sapling in a pot, a handful of young trees, as well as bits of wood. Her own wand was made of rosewood, but she wagered that someone in her class might have a wand made of yew.
The Gryffindor and Hufflepuff third years came into the greenhouse in twos and threes and took off their cloaks and other winter gear. Then they settled themselves around the center work table and waited for their teacher to begin her lecture.
"Good morning," Professor Ravenscroft said with a smile.
"Good morning, professor," her class parroted back. Most of her students sounded half asleep or numb from the biting cold outside.
"Today we're going to discuss yew. Not you, as in y-o-u," she added, when there were a few blank looks, "but yew, as in y-e-w. Is there anyone who has a wand made out of yew?"
Augustus Hodfuffer took out his wand and held it up. "I do, professor."
"Wonderful. Anyone else?"
"I do, too," said Demetrius Whitmore, holding up his wand.
Both were exquisitely carved, though beyond the same golden color, they looked quite different from each other.
"Yew is an important tree to the Winter Solstice, for it represents death and rebirth," Professor Ravenscroft explained.
Augustus and Demetrius looked intrigued and studied their wands with newfound wonder.
"In Irish culture, yew was used to make dagger handles, bows, and wine barrels. It was also placed on top of graves to remind the departed spirit that death would in turn lead to rebirth."
She picked up the pot with the young sapling and set it onto the table for all to see. "Yew is a very poisonous plant. In fact, every single part of yew is poisonous except for the fleshy covering of the berry."
"Do you suppose that's why yew represents death?" Hugo Hathi asked.
"Most certainly," Marzi replied. "Why do you suppose it represents rebirth?" she asked him.
Hugo shook his head, unsure.
Kate Dewhurst raised her hand. "I heard that yew trees are the oldest in the world. That doesn't correlate with rebirth, I guess, but it certainly means life."
"It certainly does," Marzi replied. "Yew trees are slow-growing and can live to be several thousand years old. Several thousand. Can you imagine?"
She discussed the properties of yew some more and then had everyone work on the in-class assignment, to harvest the seed cones of the young yew trees in the greenhouse.
An Uncle's Visit
Author: Isolde
Date: 02-05-11 13:06
"Uncle Rivalen. What are you doing here?"
Isolde had been in the middle of dusting the bungalow she shared with her husband when there'd been a knock at the door. Not expecting any visitors, she felt especially surprised to find her wayward uncle on her doorstep.
"I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by and visit my favorite niece," Rivalen Farnon jovially replied.
"I'm your only niece," Isolde replied, opening the door wider so that he could come inside.
"Yes, well, you're still my favorite one," Rivalen said.
"Would you like something to eat or drink?" Isolde asked, shutting the door and turning to her uncle, who had moved to the couch and taken a seat. He kicked off his shoes and put his feet on the coffee table.
"A spot of tea would be lovely, thanks."
Isolde eyed the socked feet on her coffee table, noticing that Rivalen had a hole in one. His big toe peeked out in all its glory.
She shuffled into the kitchen and put a kettle onto the stove.
"Do you have a flavor preference?" she called to him.
Rivalen shook his head. "Whatever you've got is fine with me."
Isolde had been trying out some fruit teas lately and decided to fix a pot of raspberry/strawberry tea with a hint of vanilla. While the tea prepared itself, Isolde went into the living room and sat down next to her uncle.
"What brings you to Salisbury?" she asked him.
"Oh, this and that."
Isolde quirked a perfectly manicured eyebrow. "Shouldn't you be at work?"
"Unfortunately, the Ministry of Magic had to let me go."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. When did you get the news?"
"This morning. I was at work no more than a half hour when I got the pink slip. I even got escorted out of the building by security!"
"Wow. That's... really unfortunate."
"Yes, well, it's their loss, I suppose."
"What will you do now?" Isolde asked.
Rivalen shrugged. "Not really sure. I thought I would give myself a break this weekend and then start seriously looking come Monday."
"Sounds like a fair enough plan," Isolde replied. "Let me check on the tea."
She got up and saw that it was, indeed ready, and poured two cups. She came back into the living room, handed Rivalen his, and took a cautious sip of hers.
"Careful, it's hot," she said.
Rivalen sipped it gingerly. "It's quite good. There's nothing better than something warm to drink on a cold day. So, why aren't you at work?"
"I have afternoon practices or weekend practices," Isolde explained. Yesterday's was canceled due to inclement weather but today's may very well go on. It's damn cold out, but at least it's not sleeting."
"You like working with kids?"
"Yes. They're great."
"I like working with kids too." Rivalen had taught Herbology at Hogwarts for a year.
"Well, maybe that should be your next career move," Isolde suggested. "There's all sorts of jobs that involve kids."
"Yes, maybe that is the path I need to follow," Rivalen mused aloud.
Isolde rattled off some ideas, but knowing her uncle, he wouldn't be good at any of them. It's rather surprising he'd kept his job at the Ministry as long as he'd had!
End Of The First Week Of Term
Author: Jared
Date: 02-05-11 15:43
Jared sets his tray down while simultaneously sitting and grumbling, "There should be a law about having a major exam the first week of term."
Sage makes a sympathetic noise but then says, "If you weren't still in school this wouldn't be a problem."
Jared tosses a grape at Sage. Like others the period of the Euphemia Smythe-Jones's ministry interfered with school. Jared had stayed enrolled but was taking minimal courses each term just to keep up appearances. He's behind where he might otherwise be in relation to graduating and starting a full-time career. Picking up another grape, this one to pop in his mouth, he says, "I think I needed that extra time to really decide what I wanted."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. All I had known for sure is that I didn't want to become a professional chef."
"You like to cook though."
"I like to cook but I'm not passionate about it and I definitely wouldn't want to make a living at it when my father is the great and powerful Chef Lohengren Porter."
"I sort of understand. I mean I do understand but not having a father like yours it's harder to fully grasp just what you go through. Change of subject. Have any plans for tonight?"
"I told Saffron I'd babysit Nic. Why?"
"There's that new band playing tonight. Brenda had tickets but can't go so I bought her two for Alanna and me. She just told me if I know anyone else wanting a ticket she's got one more."
"If I hadn't already told Saffron I'd watch Nic I'd say yes."
"Does Georgia know you'll be at Hogwarts in your sister's flat with only a small child around to chaperone?"
"You know, I might have mentioned something to her."
Jared grins around a bite of sandwich before asking, "We still on for Quidditch tomorrow?"
"Wouldn't miss it."
The rest of the lunch conversation is spent talking about the two teams they'll be seeing tomorrow and who's pegged to win.
Letter
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 02-06-11 12:18
Fritz makes his way from Orange to the Potions laboratory, completely lost in his own thoughts as he follows the black stripe on the floor. Around him, other students make their way to and from class, or wherever else, but Fritz hardly notices anybody or anything, until an owl flies directly in front of his face.
He comes to an abrupt halt, focuses on the tan-colored bird as it flaps its wings to keep itself in the air. In its talons is an envelope with the Germany Ministry of Magic seal.
Fritz takes the envelope, and before he can reach into his backpack to see if he has some sort of snack for the owl, it flies away over the heads of the other students at St. Emrys staff. To avoid getting jostled about, Fritz moves to the side of the hall, unshoulders his bag, and leans against the wall.
He has a pretty good idea what's in the letter. Ever since the beginning of the month, when he and Frau Hockenheim had their little argument, he hadn't gone back to Trier to complete his community service requirements for the German government.
Fritz takes a deep breath and then bites the bullet and tears open the letter. The note is written on a single, but full page, and is from Richard Schmidt, the Ministry official Fritz had met over the summer. Fritz is correct in guessing the topic is about his community service and lack of attendance in recent weeks, but what the letter says completely baffles him.
Evidently, Frau Hockenheim wondered what had become of Fritz and wrote to her government official, where an undercover wizard forwarded the letter to Schmidt. Basically, Frau Hockenheim wants Fritz to return to work.
Fritz isn't sure how he feels about going back to her house, but he knows he needs to finish his community service. Right now he doesn't have enough time to reply to Schmidt's letter, but he will after his Potions lab.
Fritz stuffs the letter into its envelope and then shoves the whole thing into his backpack. He puts it back on and then pushes off the wall, resuming the path to class.
Just Before Practice (Jade & Hunter)
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 02-06-11 17:36
Jade takes a bite of what she'd call a chocolate chip cookie or a Tollhouse cookie but which most of those here at school refer to as a chocolate morsal biscuit or some other name along those lines. Her twin beside her, as if reading Jade's mind on what to call the sweet, sighs, "I miss Mom's chocolate chip cookies."
"I do too. You think Emmie or Olive would know her recipe?"
"Emmie might. We all would help I remember but Emmie would probably know it or where to find it over Olive."
"Yeah. You're probably right. Maybe I'll write her tomorrow and ask. It's too bad they don't have phones here. I could call her right now."
"If they had phones here, there'd be some strict policy on using them."
"Uh huh, but it's Friday and I'm done with classea and have't been in trouble for anything so I bet I'd get to have a phone call."
"Maybe but I figure tomorrow would be more likely," Hunter states. "You know though, since we're only first years we might not have the privilage."
"That would suck."
"Yep, just like it sucks that we can't go into Hogsmeade. What's the deal with that anyway? If we were back home we'd get to go to the mall on your own by now."
"You know that's not true."
"Yeah, it is. Olive was going to the mall on her own before we ended up here, which means she was younger than we are right now."
"Olive could only go to the mall if someone else was going and she wasn't allowed to hang out alone. She had to be with more than two friends or with Emmie and if with friends and no adult, she could only stay an hour unless they were going to a movie."
"Oh yeah. Forgot that part. Still, we'd be able to go. Not like being stuck here instead of going to Hogsmeade."
"You don't really like to shop so why would you want to go anyway?"
"Gaming center. Cupcakes, cakes, and pies at the bakery. Quidditch stuff." Hunter reaches for one of the cookies on the plate between them. "You think these came from the bakery or kitchen elves made them?"
"Kitchen elves. Briar's are fatter around and thicker."
"These are really good but "
"They aren't Mom's. I know." Jade takes the last bite of the cookie she'd been working on. "We've got practice soon. I wish it weren't so cold out. I'm glad I have more pairs of thermals now."
"Me too. It's a wonder no one's thought of indoor Quidditch or some sort of dome spell over the pitch."
"Dome spell would be cool. It would be like having a ceiling, like that stadium we saw in New Orleans that time, but clear or like having glass."
"The Superdome."
"Duh. You'd think I'd remember the name of it."
"Well, there's only one thing for such a crappy memory. You're no longer in Ravenclaw."
Jade stands up, reaching for another cookie to nibble while on her way to her the pitch for practice. "You are so funny you should consider becoming a stand-up. Not."
Hunter gives her a good natured shove as he too gets up before saying, "Time to go I guess. Good thing the dressing room is so warm else I'd be changing here."
Jade nods in agreement, sticking the cookie in her mouth while she grabs up her duffle bag, coat, muffler, gloves, and earmuffs. Hunter grabs his things as well as another cookie too and together they head out of the castle for Quidditch practice.