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Valentine's Morning
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 03-05-11 12:59
The Janus Thickey Ward at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries was usually a very quiet place. Before Hermione became a student healer, she had spent quite a lot of time in that ward at the bedside of her father. Returning to the ward after all these years was a painful reminder of his last few years alive.
Hermione thought about him every time she stepped into the Janus Thickey Ward. She would look at his old bed, occupied now by someone else, and picture him lying there in a coma. Thinking of him inevitably reminded her of the fact that he wouldn't be walking her down the aisle in a little over a month, when she married Ron.
On Valentine's morning, Hermione stepped into the ward to check on a few patients. It was at the bedside of Alice Longbottom that Hermione met Neville.
"Neville," Hermione said, opening her arms to embrace him when he got up with his own arms outstretched. They gave each other a long squeeze and took a step apart to assess each other better.
Hermione saw Neville every once in a while, but not often enough even though she lived in Hogsmeade and he worked in the village. He looked well, despite the somberness he felt each time he visited his parents in the hospital.
"It's about time you and Ron decided to tie the knot," Neville said with a grin. "Thanks for the invitation."
"We wouldn't do it without our dearest friends present," Hermione replied, smiling. "How have you been?"
"Good, good. Still working at Botanicals & Beyond. And you? Busy with wedding planning, I suspect."
Hermione laughed. "Yes. It's a lot more work than I thought it would be."
"Knowing you, I'm sure everything will be in perfect order come the big day." Neville smiled. "Do you and Ron have big plans for tonight?"
Hermione nodded. "We're going out to dinner. Both of us are working, so the idea of going home and cooking doesn't seem all that appealing today. And you? Do you have a date tonight?"
"I do, actually. Do you remember Hannah Abbott?"
Hermione hadn't been good friends with Hannah, but she remembered her well enough. "Yes, are you two dating now?"
"Well, we bumped into each other over the weekend when she popped into the shoppe. We got to talking and then I asked her out for tonight. In hindsight, maybe I should have picked a different day..." Neville trailed off and chuckled.
"Well, it could be a first date to remember, couldn't it?" Hermione said, grinning.
"Yes, well, we'll see what happens. Am I keeping you from your work?"
"I guess that is my cue to resume my duties," Hermione replied with a laugh. "You'll have to tell me how your date goes."
"I will. I promise. Pop by the shoppe sometime this week."
"I'll definitely do that."
Hermione and Neville hugged again and then went about their business, Hermione checking on patients and Neville sliding into the seat by his mother's bed.
Fifth Years
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 03-05-11 13:34
In continuing the unit on Animation, or giving "life" to inanimate objects, Professor McGonagall had her fifth years practice transfiguring various figurines so that they moved of their own accord. In the previous hour, the Hufflepuff and Slytherin fifth years had great fun practicing the charm.
The figurines ranged from porcelain people, like a Dutch girl carrying a pail of milk, or a young boy feeding a pair of ducks, to professional Quidditch players like Viktor Krum and Pyrrhus Fine. There were even magical creatures, like a unicorn and several dragons, and more mundane animals like a horse and a house cat.
The previous class achieved the lesson more or less. The house cat groomed its fur, while the unicorn pranced around the top of the desk. The Dutch girl, however, only blinked her eyes, and the figure of Viktor Krum melted into rainbow-colored goo.
Now, Professor McGonagall's other fifth years, the Gryffindors and Ravenclaws, were trying their hand at the in-class assignment. Abdul managed to get one of the dragons to breathe fire, which subsequently burned the backside of the horse Christopher was trying to charm into prancing.
Marjani and Julietta, working with the Pyrrhus Fine figurine and the porcelain girl, respectively, worked together to get the pair to peck each other the lips. It was quite comical, since the figure of the Quidditch player was significantly smaller than that of the Dutch girl.
Professor McGonagall went about the room, offering assistance where needed. Mostly, she had to shush her students when they got a bit too rowdy. She was glad they were enjoying the assignment, but she didn't need their excitement getting out of hand.
She supposed it would be inevitable on a day like today, however. With it being Valentine's Day, teenage hormones were at their wildest. On top of that, the ingestion of lots and lots of chocolates and other sugary sweets seemed unavoidable. Professor McGonagall herself had eaten a fair bit of chocolate from the candy box her great nephew had given her at breakfast earlier that morning.
Valentine's Day wasn't just about love between girlfriends and boyfriends. It was also about love between family and friends, and Professor McGonagall was glad to have Madoc in her life.
Feels Like Snooping
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 03-05-11 15:48
"I feel like I'm snooping."
Audrey's voice is muffled by the fact that she's in a clothes closet. From a chest of drawers along a different wall Ginny tells her, "I do too in a way even though as a child I'd come looking for birthday and Christmas presents."
Audrey is who Percy started dating at some point after his breakup with Penelope. They are now married, doing so in typical Percy budget conscious fashion. Percy had suggested to his parents that it was time to meet Audrey's family and wouldn't it be nice if they had a big family dinner at the Burrow. Shortly after everyone had arrived Percy and Audrey stood up and announced they were getting married. About that same time there was a knock on the door and going to open the door Percy said right then, here's the minister just arrived. It was a quick ceremony without any fuss or bother and afterwards they all sat down to eat the dinner Molly had prepared for the gathering. That was that.
As Ginny doesn't have anything going until Quidditch practice with the Holyhead Harpies and then dinner out with Harry for Valentine's, the six boys had elected Ginny to pack bags for the surprise trip to New York City they are sending Arthur and Molly a little later in the day. Audrey, who has the morning off, volunteered to help though Ginny isn't sure if it's because she wanted to help do something nice for the in-laws, spend a little time getting to know Ginny better, a combination of both, or something else altogether.
Audrey emerges from the closet and holds up the clothes she's carrying. "Are these the ones?"
Looking over her shoulder Ginny affirms, "Yes, and grab those yellow pumps of Mum's, will you? Or do you think the black are better with the dress?"
The dress in question is a blue that looks really nice with Molly's coloring. Audrey bends to pick up the yellow shoes stating, "I think the yellow look nice. Does Molly have a matching handbag? What about jewelry to wear for her evening out?"
Ginny turns from the dresser holding up a small jewelry bag. "Have jewelry here. I don't know if she's got a yellow handbag or not. Let me look."
While Ginny does the handbag search, Aubrey moves to the lavatory to pack necessities such as toothbrushes, shaving cream and razor for Arthur, and cosmetics for Molly. A few minutes later Ginny appears in the doorway triumphantly holding up a handbag that same shade as the creamy yellow shoes then says, "I'll go look over what we've got so far and see if we're missing everything."
"You got underthings for them both? Stockings for Molly?"
"Yes and yes." Ginny snaps her fingers. "Mum will want a slip of some sort to wear under the blue dress."
Fifteen minutes later the two young women are satisfied they'd accounted for everything. They've packed it all into a single suitcase after deciding that for the length of the trip and the amount of clothing being taken, two regular size pieces of luggage were a bit much. Ginny picks up the suitcase and heads for the stairs with Aubrey just behind. They're taking the suitcase to the Hogsmeade branch of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes where later this afternoon Molly and Arthur will be presented with their trip. Ron's even secretly taken care of Arthur having tomorrow off from the Ministry. Everything is now set for what the couple's family hopes will be an outstanding Valentine's for them.
Half Day And Lunch
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 03-05-11 17:47
The morning had been rough, she was nearly three months pregnant, having found out at the begining of January, and had been already a month gone at the time. She had been sent home about mid-day because she couldn't focus on things at work. Today was horrible. Nothing she actually eaten stayed in and she had stopped at a muggle store and gotten some saltine crackers and ginger ale to help calm her stomach and maybe actually be able to keep something in.
She'd taken home some translations to work on, so she wasn't completely bored. She also had some catalogues to look through for baby furniture for the nursery that she was in the process of designing. However, she didn't feel like going and staying at home, besides she had a lunch date with Gaia Goyle to catch up a bit.
She headed to the Imperial Crown and Cauldron to grab their table and look through a catalogue while she waited for Gaia. She ordered a pumpkin juice when the server came to inquire about her drink order, she also told the server that she was waiting on one more individual before she would place her order.
Within fifteen or twenty minutes Gaia had joined her, placed their orders for drinks, an appitizer had been ordered, and lunches had been put in. "So, what's been going on with you?" Gaia asked.
"Am on a half day from the Ministry, however, brought some work home. The morning sickness is killing me." Orei said as she sipped her pumpkin juice, desperately hoping that lunch would remain, however, she was already planning on nursing that box of saltine crackers and ginger ale. "I am ready for the next six or so months to be over, however, in the same breath I am not."
"Well, congrats to you and Jim on the baby. When is the wedding?" She asked when the waitress came by to refill their drinks.
"That remains to be seen at the moment. However, it is being discussed. He and I have however, been so busy between work and classes at St. Emry's. Thankfully I am almost done with my course work, and will be working full time at the Ministry." Orei replied as she toyed with her napkin, the fear of having her lunch ruined by the morning sickness thus making it a waste of money.
Both women nodded and soon enough their lunch arrived, Orei, went with something simple. A grilled chicken salad with a light vinegrette and a small bowl of chicken noodle soup. Gaia had gotten a salad as well, a chicken caesar salad with a bowl of tomato bisque soup.
They talked over lunch, caught up on everything that had been going on in their lives since they graduated from Hogwarts. Soon enough, lunch was over and they had promised to meet up again in a couple of weeks when they had time and try and make this a routine thing - a thing to which Orei would start dragging Maddie to.
Lunch remained in, which made Orei happy, and gave her a chance to shower and change into a pair of sweats and long sleeved jersey shirt and curl up on the couch and go through a few translations for work, and get some homework done.
Busy Early Morning
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 03-05-11 18:01
Lawrence's first class wasn't until two this afternoon and he didn't have to be in his office until noon, which meant that he had just enough time to leave Ariella the first part of her Valentine's Day gift, two velvet boxes were left on the table so that she would find them when she entered their quarters after her early morning shift at Briar's was finished.
Once he finished setting those, he headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast, and then up to his office to finish grading some papers before his office hours. He also sent his house elf to check on a few things pertaining to the night that he intended on spending with his wife on this romantic holiday.
He of course had no intention of keeping her out late because she had classes at St. Emry's in the morning and he had his own classes to teach.
Once he was done grading papers it was time for him to head out to the greenhouse for his office hours and then he would be teaching his fifth year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs about Doll's Eyes and Wild Strawberries.
A Surprise Valentine
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 03-05-11 18:37
Valentine's Day, was not a day that usually thrilled Adina, and today of course she had a full course load starting at ten am so there was nothing special about it for her, not that she had a Valentine to begin with. She however, had been awake since seven thirty, showered and had breakfast in the Great Hall, before she would head to the Common Commons, where she spent her morning going through and making sure that things were in line for her day.
Her first two classes passed easily enough, and she had gotten assignments back from both professors and was pleased with the marks that she'd been given on the assignments. She was working on building up her marks in her course and she wanted to keep it that way because her goal was to be back on the Quidditch team next year since she'd been removed from the team this year.
She was at the moment, between classes, it was the one hour she had to relax before she headed to her last three classes of the day. She ducked into the Common Commons again, and found a table to settle down at and turned the WWN on with the volume turned down so she wouldn't disturb anyone else who came in. The host of the current show was currently playing a series of love songs in honor of this lovey-dovey holiday.
About ten minutes after she entered the Common Commons a house elf appeared and placed before her a plate that was filled with a cupcake with fluffy pink frosting and dotted with white and red sprinkles. There was also a card, and she read it, while she opened the card, a light smile pulled up the corners of her mouth.
It was from Arthur Fu, she read the cute little card and she would tuck it into her bag and thought her day had just gotten better. She would of course meet him for dinner tonight even though there was nothing special being planned for tonight since Valentine's Day fell on a school day.
Quick check of the clock sent Adina scurrying, she tucked her books back in her pack, grabbed her cupcake and headed out to the greenhouse for Herbology, thankfully it wasn't snowing and the skies were clear today which made it almost easier to brave the chill of heading to the greenhouse.
Arthur was waiting for Adina at the door to the greenhouse, and she greeted him with a light peck on the cheek. "Thank you Arthur, and yes, I will meet you for dinner." With a bright grin the pair of Slytherin headed into the greenhouse, Adina shared a look with both Kida and Whintey that said she would talk to them after she got back from Fitness & Athletics and she'd had time to clean up.
Right now, she settled into pay attention to the Herbology lecture.
Delayed Getting To Lunch
Author: Christopher Chant
Date: 03-05-11 22:01
Christopher was a little later than the other fifth year Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students leaving Potions because Professor Snape had randomly picked him to assist with something. Shoulding his bookbag, Christopher leaves the dungeon classroom thinking that the least the Potions master could do is award him a point or five. Maybe Snape never even thought to consider it since he picked Christopher instead of asking for volunteers.
Because of being a good five minutes behind the other students leaving class Christopher is somewhat surprised to come upon two who'd been in the same Potions class, Milo Martin and Hadrian Rabnott. The two are standing at the foot of the stairs talking about which professional Quidditch team is best, or rather each is trying to persuade the other that his team is better. They stop talking as Christopher reaches them, Milo saying, "That didn't take long."
"Luckily no, because I'm starving and I doubt Professor Snape would have much cared if I'd not had time lunch."
Hadrian grimaces. "It would have been four before you could eat if it had come to that."
As they start up the stairs Milo asks, "Why four?"
"After we have Defense Against the Dark Arts Hadrian and go to History of Magic then Arithmancy & Divination."
"I'm glad I'm done with Herbology after DADA. I've got Astronomy tonight and I like having all that time in between."
At the top of the stairs Hadrian asks, "What sort of courses do Muggles our age take? Do you think they have as many as we do?"
Christopher shakes his head. "No idea. I've never really thought about it."
"Do they have something like our OWLs and NEWTs?" Milo asks as they cross to the doors of the Great Hall.
"I'm going to ask my cousin," Hadrian tells them, refering to Professor Miller. He then changes the subject entirely by asking out of the blue, "What did you get Catriona for Valentine's, Christopher?"
The switch in topics is unexpected enough that at first Christopher just sort of gapes at Hadrian, processing the question. Milo snickers, "See what love does to you, Hadrian?"
Christopher good naturedly makes a face at Milo before saying, "Some flowers she likes - peonies - and some mint chocolates, and a book from a series she collects."
"Give them already?" Milo asks.
"Yeah, at breakfast."
Hadrian opens the door to go into the Great Hall. "I'm glad I don't have to worry with any of that this year."
"Me too," Milo agrees. "There are a couple of girls I like but I'm fine with not having to buy flowers, chocolates, and jewelry for anyone right now."
Walking into the Great Hall, even if they hadn't already been talking about Valentine's they would have been reminded of what today is for the large room is decorate for the occassin and all around there are girls with flowers and people munching candy from heart shaped boxes. Food is also on the table so Milo, Hadrian, and Christopher make a beeline for seats, wanting to have plenty of time to get their fill of lunch before Defense Against the Dark Arts at one.
(Ariella) Spoiled
Author: Beck
Date: 03-06-11 09:08
After her shift at Briar's Bakery ended, Ariella returned to Hogwarts to eat lunch before heading off to St. Emrys for her three afternoon classes: Introduction to Alchemy, Methods of Teaching, and Introduction to International Affairs. Like last term, Ariella split her fields of study between magical research and development, education, and international studies. She had an interest in all three subjects and wasn't yet sure which she would ultimately choose as her career path.
As soon as she returned to the quarters she shared with her husband, Ariella found the two boxes he'd left behind for her. Before she opened them, she set down a box she'd brought with her from Briar's. It contained a heart-shaped, red velvet cake she'd made herself for Lawrence just that morning.
The earrings and bracelet Lawrence gave her for Valentine's Day helped her choose which dress she would wear tonight when they went out. She knew he had plans for her, but as usual, he kept quite secretive about them. Ariella had thought at first to wear the red dress he'd given her last year for Valentine's Day, but now she would wear a purple dress instead. She had one that was strapless and went to just above the knees. It was made of satin and would look perfect with her new silver earrings and bracelet.
With only a little time to spare before she needed to be at St. Emrys, Ariella went down to the Great Hall to eat lunch and hopefully find her husband. The festively decorated dining hall was filled to the brim, as lunch had been going on for quite some time when Ariella arrived. Some people were already leaving for their own afternoon classes.
Luckily, Ariella found Lawrence easily enough. She went to him, kissed him, and said, "You spoil me, you know that?"
"I know," Lawrence replied with a grin, "and I hope you realize that Valentine's Day isn't over just yet."
"I haven't forgotten," Ariella answered, smiling happily. She wasn't wearing her new jewels yet, but she would tonight for her husband.
She had to inhale her lunch, and then it was off to St. Emrys for class.