Avoiding a topic
Author: Lilac Middleton 
Date:   05-25-11 21:11

“Aren’t you just a little bit worried?”

“About?”

“Everything going on?”

“Sure, but it’s not enough to ruin my day.”

“Lil!”

“Okay, fine, I am worried. And a bit scared. I mean when was the last time something like this happened at Hogwarts of all places?”

“Beats me.”

“That’s why I am scared. But I am trying not to be.”

“Lil…”

“I’m going to class.”

“Lilac!”

“Okay, okay. I’m worried and scared. That’s what you want me to say?”

“Yes. Because, everyone is.”

“Cee, you are going to make us late for class with this conversation.” Lilac finally said growing extremely annoyed with her cousin. She didn’t understand what had happened anymore than anyone else. And just like the other times she had been afraid, she didn’t want to deal with it, or talk about it. She had homework to do, classes to attend, Nat to visit, and a pig to feed. She could keep herself busy enough not to think about it.

“I know what you are doing.” Cee said.

“Yes, I am sure you do. Can we please just go to class?”

“Nope, not until you tell me first what you are doing.”

“I’m avoiding the topic.”

“Good, least you can admit it.”

“Can we go to class now?”

“Fine.” Cee finally said. “We shouldn’t probably be late anyway.” She added as an afterthought.

Confused and Acceptance
Author: Adina Blackwood 
Date:   05-26-11 02:07

I sat on the main entrance steps, knees bent, arms wrapped around them and my chin resting on top of my knees. I stared at the spot where Rosamond Boggs’ body had been found that day. I’d heard the whispers that Penn had disappeared, I didn’t know him, but I’d seen him briefly and he seemed rather strange. It was still relatively early and the halls were bustling with people heading to their first classes of the day and heading to the Great Hall for breakfast. It was Thursday and my first class wasn’t until half past ten when I had to go to Transfiguration with Professor Black, who I’m fairly certain I’d made a fool of myself with after sending him that letter. I don’t know why I did it, why I sounded so desperate, and I’m fairly certain that he’d want to talk to me about it – but hadn’t gotten the chance since I’d sent it and then this issue with Miss Boggs had happened and the entire school has been on crisis management complete with Professors offering an ear for those traumatized by what had happened.

I’d been so lost in thought that I hadn’t heard Arthur settle himself next to me. “You’re up early. Why are you sitting here instead of in the commons in front of the fire?” He asked, leaning over to give me a peck on the cheek.

I shrugged. “Just thinking about what a stupid git I’ve been lately concerning a few things.” I said running a hand through my hair which I’d left down this morning after my shower. “I had written a letter to Professor Black and made it seem like I was some desperate fool for his help and I don’t even think I meant it, and now that things have all but settled I know he is going to want to talk to me about it and I seriously can’t think of anything intelligent to reply to him about it.” I closed my eyes and leaned against Arthur who snaked his arm around my shoulder.

“What did you ask him for help with Adina?” He asked, peering down at me carefully. There was a faint tinge of worry in his voice and I hated that I’d made him worry.

“He and I have something in common, I’m an animagus and I am still getting used to dealing with that side of me. I’m registered and everything, but I don’t know it is weird. I can’t talk to my mom or my dad because it skipped like half a dozen generations or something like that and I ended up with the ability.” I blinked, flushed and made to get up but he wouldn’t let me. I had never told any of my friends here what I was, and at first I’d originally thought that someone had found out, but that wasn’t the case. Now I’d just blurted it out to my boyfriend.

“Wow, that’s actually pretty cool. I don’t think there is another student who is an animagus.” He said pressing a kiss to my cheek. “I’m dating an extra special witch because she can turn into something else.”

“Thanks Arthur, I needed that. Now, I think it is time I wandered in for breakfast, wanna come? Then I’ve gotta look over my assignment for Professor Black before we head to class.” I said giving him a light peck before pushing myself up and disengaging myself from his arm. “I still have to think about what I am going to say to Professor Black.”

That had been yesterday. Today, I'd see if I could get in touch with Professor Black, who no doubt thought that I was ungreatful considering he'd set aside time to meet with me when he has a family and stuff to deal with. It was a busy day today, and so far I've blown through Charms and was having issues focusing in DADA already.

Time Time Time
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black 
Date:   05-26-11 15:34

In an unusual turn, it's Sirius who's in a hurry for lunch to arrive. It's students who generally watch the clock, willing the hands to speed up, particularly on Friday mornings, and especially those students in any year lucky enough not to have Friday afternoon classes. Professors can be very mindful of the time, wanting a class to end or a certain hour to hurry up and arrive, but mostly it's to track the minutes so they know when to wrap things before it's time for students to move along. Today, though, Sirius is having just the problem of wishing it were noon already. Remus is coming by to have lunch. Tonks and he are back with Remus getting ready to start on at St. Emrys again and Tonks back at the Ministry as an Auror. They've been looking for a place and if Ron hadn't already bought Dierna's house next door to Sirius and Dru, they would have considered buying it themselves. Sirius has no idea why he's so antsy for lunch to get here since it's not like it's been a long time since he last saw his friend. All he knows is he's excited and as he has classes until three, he doubt what he's feeling has anything to do with today being Friday.

His first class of the day, Hufflepuff and Slytherin first years, had dragged. This second class doesn't seem to be going any faster. The second year Gryffindor and Ravenclaw students are in the midst of transfiguring fluffy piles of colored cotton into fluffy colored bunnies like the examples Sirius has strewn around the room. Each bunny is a cottony stuffed toy, not very big in size and very elementary in appearance. The fewer the details, the easier learning this particular transfiguration should be.

"Grip your wand like this, Ichabod," Sirius demonstrates then moves in closer to readjust the boy's fingers.

"Good show, Hydrangea. Nearly had it that time. Nice work on the head, Beatrix. Now see if you can get the back half."

The progress with this group on this particular transfiguration is right in line with that of the Hufflepuff and Slytherin second years. Thinking back to that class's meeting yesterday, Sirius frowns slightly. It's been three weeks since Adina Blackwood contacted him via owl at his home asking for an appointment. Sirius had stayed late the next day, which was the Friday before spring holiday began. As he doesn't have Friday office hours Sirius would normally have left Hogwarts for home shortly after his last class that day had ended at three. Because of Adina's owl and the reply he'd immediately sent her that same Thursday night, Sirius had stayed late for the appointment.

Sirius had waited well past the appointment time only for Adina to never show. He did not go in search of her but did stay long enough to learn that she was there at school and was fine. She simply didn't bother coming for the visit she'd asked to have. Since then she also has not bothered apologizing for wasting his time nor offering up an explanation.

Sirius also hasn't said a word to her. He feels he shouldn't have to prompt her for an apology. She could have owled him again at any time during spring holiday but she didn't. She could have spoken to him during the four class meetings she's had with him since, or during his posted office hours, or lunch these past two weeks as he's taken nearly every one of those meals in the Great Hall. He's had breakfast a few times here at school and has stayed to supper at twice each week. Drucilla and the kids usually come those nights but that doesn't matter. Adina has had opportunity to tell Sirius, "I'm sorry for skipping the appointment I made and not letting you know I wouldn't be there." That would take, what? Five seconds? Ten at most.

"Careful there, Max," Sirius says as Max Owens somehow stumbles, his wand dipping towards Cody Sweet's ball of fluff just as he's doing the transfiguration spell. "But nice job with the rabbit even if it's not your cotton."

As time draws near for the second years to leave Sirius directs their attention to their homework assignment, has them put away the balls of fluff and toy rabbits in various stages of correct completeness then sends them on their way. He double checks the board to make sure he's got the assignment for the third years coming in and the materials ready for them to use today then moves to the door to greet them as they enter the classroom, his eyes darting to the small pendulum clock he's got, knowing it's a full hour till noon but wishing it were already time to go.

Attempting to Make it Right
Author: Adina Blackwood 
Date:   05-26-11 16:54

DADA finally let out, it felt like forever before class was done. I gave Arthur an apologetic look, letting him know wordlessly that I was breaking our lunch date. I had something important to do. I headed out of the DADA classroom and headed toward Professor Black's classroom, hoping to catch him before he left the classroom.

Five minutes too late, he'd already gone. I slid a hand through my hair, tugging hard on the strands in frustration before stuffing my textbook back in my bag once I realized that I still had it in my hand. I thought about ditching herbology and waiting for him to return, but I really couldn't afford a strike concerning classes right now. However, I'd rather run upstairs from Potions to try and catch him before he headed to his home in Hogsmeade if I could.

Pulling a piece of parchment from my bag I quickly penned a note, slipped into the quiet classroom and deposited it on his desk hoping that he would see it when he returned for his next class. Though, knowing my luck he wouldn't have another class today and he wouldn't get it until Monday. Either way, it was done.


Professor Black,
I apologize profusely for not writing you sooner, or speaking up after class or before class. I just realized how desperate I'd sounded, how foolish I'd sounded in my initial note to you and was dealing with the realization that you might have thought I was in some sort of trouble.

I'm sorry if I worried you and I guess maybe we can try this again? I would like someone else to talk to, because I can't exactly talk to my parents because they aren't able to offer me advice or understand when I need to rant. I guess I lucked out when it came to being an animagus, it skipped generations in my family.

Thanks again,

Adina

I slipped out of the classroom and headed to meet with Arthur for what was left of lunch. I needed to eat something before I spent two more hours in classes before the weekend began at three.

Funeral
Author: Ethan Somerset 
Date:   05-26-11 18:48

"We are gathered here today to honor the memory of our dearly departed friend, sister and mother, Rosamond, who passed all too early on the 8th of April of this year. Most of Rosamond's life wasn't her own. She lived through trials and tribulations not of her making but was fortunate to overcome her past and live the life she was destined to lead. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment wasn't surpassing her obstacles but becoming a mother to a beautiful and healthy little girl. Little Lilly will grow up without a mother, but she will grow up knowing that her mother loved her with all her heart. And we can all rest easy knowing that a part of Rosamond lives on forever in Lilly."

Ethan listened to the officiate speak about Rosamond, though the wizard never knew her and only said what he'd learned from Ethan and Aveline. Despite not knowing Rosamond personally, the officiate had a way with words that suggested otherwise.

Only a small crowd gathered at the gravesite. Ethan had invited his colleagues from work, though he knew that most wouldn't be able to attend because of class. A few were there, however, such as Professor Dumbledore.

His entire family had come, even his nephews and niece, who had been taken out of school for the occasion. Ethan's good friend Viktor had also come.

The officiate wrapped up his eulogy by turning to the mahogany casket hovering over its grave and said, "Rosamond, you will be missed but not forgotten as long as those who knew and loved you still live."

He turned then to Ethan and Aveline and shook their hands and offered them comforting words. Neither Ethan nor Aveline had planned to speak at the funeral. Ethan had debated writing a eulogy but had been stumped for words. Everything he wanted to say he wanted to say to Rosamond alive, not dead. Aveline, meanwhile, wanted to apologize to Rosamond for what her parents had put her through, but she didn't want to put an even bigger damper on what was already a sad occasion.

"It's time," the caretaker of the cemetery announced.

Ethan felt pressure in his chest. Until now, Rosamond had still been around, even if she'd been dead a week. Of course, he'd not seen her since that fateful day. She'd been in the morgue until this morning.

But now she would go into the earth, her final resting place.

Aveline took Ethan's hand. Ethan glanced down at Lilly, who was asleep in her carriage. Earlier in the morning––too early if Ethan hadn't been wide awake and unable to sleep––Bronwyn Beck had dropped by with leftover food from her dinner party. She'd noticed the lights on across the street while getting dressed for work and had later seen Ethan step outside to get the newspaper.

While she briefly visited, Ethan had asked her advice on what Lilly should wear to the funeral. Lilly didn't have too many extra nice dresses, but Rosamond had gotten her a couple in the short time mother and daughter had been together. Bronwyn selected a navy blue baby dress with lace trim from the meager options. As Ethan gazed down at his daughter now, who had a cream-colored blanket tucked over the lower half of her body, he decided the navy dress suited the occasion perfectly.

It was a dark, almost funereal color, but it wasn't entirely gloomy either. Lilly was the future, and Rosamond's memory would live on within her.

Ethan and Aveline nodded to the caretaker, who turned to the coffin. He flicked his wand at it and settled it gently into the open grave beneath it. Then he flicked his wand at a pair of shovels, which began to cover the coffin with soil.

For the Muggles present, it was quite a sight to see, though only the children had any kind of obvious reaction to the charmed shovels. After the shovels finished their duty of filling the grave, the entourage left the cemetery and walked to Ethan's duplex, where his mother had arranged for catered lunches for anyone staying for the reception.