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Sisterly Conversation
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 07-22-11 20:26
"Zabrynna? Honey?"
Through her fog of sleep Zabrynna senses a hand on her shoulder giving a gentle shake and her sister's voice speaking. Her head feels so heavy that it takes a huge effort to lift it from her folded eyes to blink groggily at Mariposa.
"Fall asleep studying?"
Zabrynna blinks again then sits up fully to stretch as she says through a yawn, "Yeah."
"Why didn't you go to the commons or your house's common room?"
"Too much going on in both and people were in and out of the dorm room so I didn't go there either. I started to go to the library but decided to come in here because I knew it would be quiet and there wouldn't be interruptions."
In here is the room where Zabrynna had done the archival research for Professor Hodfuffer, though with NEWTs only two and a half weeks away, she's no longer putting in hours on that.
"What are you doing here, Mariposa?" Zabrynna asks as she starts gathering up her belongings.
"AJ and I ate in the Great Hall tonight. We're on our way home," that would be the home that Mariposa and AJ Hodfuffer now share in Hogsmeade, "but he wanted to grab some things from his office and asked me to get something from in here that he'd forgotten. Did you eat anything?"
"No, but I'll get something before going to my room."
"I can have AJ get you something from the school kitchen."
"No, really, I'm fine."
Mariposa drops into the chair next to Zabrynna, her hand still on her sister's shoulder. "Are you really? You look like you've lost some weight and you've circles under your eyes."
"It's just normal end of term stress combined with having the NEWTs to get through."
"Nothing else?"
With a shake of her head Zabrynna counters with, "Why would there be?"
"This is me, not one of your friends who isn't aware of everything that's gone on."
"Mariposa,"
"Zabrynna."
Zabrynna sighs and shoves the last of her texts into her book satchel. More gently and in a lower voice Mariposa says, "You seems depressed to me. Are you still seeing the psychological healer?"
"Yes, every week. It's part of the conditions for my being here, remember?"
"But are you getting anything out of the sessions?"
"I guess. I don't know."
"Maybe I should talk to the woman or we can do some family sessions. I bet Dad would come for those."
"With NEWTs so close, one day next week is the last time we'll meet."
"Oh. Hmmmm. I still think you're depressed and I think it's because with school ending you won't be seeing Declan on a regular basis anymore."
Zabrynna makes a pretense of looking around on the table for anything she might have left, allowing a fall of hair to hide her face. "Don't be silly."
Mariposa's hand moves from Zabrynna's shoulder to grasp her chin and force the younger girl to look at her. "I know how you still feel about him and I know how what you did to him has been eating away at you all this time. Don't pretend you aren't conflicted about graduating and no longer seeing him practically every day."
"I'm fine. Really. Stop fussing over me." Secretly though, Zabrynna is happy that her sister is expressing concern and care for her in a way her own mother has not and never did.
"Mariposa, ready to go? Oh, hello, Zabrynna. I didn't think you were doing any work for me this week."
"Hello, Professor Hodfuffer. I came in here for a quiet place to get in some NEWT study. I hope that's all right."
"Yes, fine. Study here as much as you like. Did you miss supper? I don't remember seeing you in the Great Hall."
"I did, but I'll grab something in the commons."
"I can get you something," he replies, already doing whatever magic it is that contacts the kitchen. Zabrynna's really never given that particular magic much thought until this very moment.
Shortly after there's a small bowl with salad, a plate with half a sandwich and cup of soup along with a pitcher of chilled spiced pumpkin juice. Zabrynna gives the other two a smile. "Thank you, but you didn't need to go to all that trouble."
"As you saw, it wasn't any trouble at all." To Mariposa he says, "I don't know about you but I'm ready to get home."
"I've got the final draft of a paper to copy out and some chapters to read for another class," Mariposa says. She gives Zabrynna a hug. "Eat and leave off studying this evening. It's all right to rest now and then."
"Lots to do and not much time but I promise I won't slog away all night. Thank you again, Profesosr Hodfuffer."
"Just remember to lock up when you go and don't stay so long you get in trouble for being out and about after curfew."
"I will, and I won't."
With smiles and goodnights Mariposa and AJ leave. Alone once more Zabrynna thinks she might as well eat some supper even though she's not all that hungry. She didn't eat anything but an apple at lunch though and she'd had a glass of orange juice at breakfast so she knows she needs to eat whether she really wants it or not. As long as she's going to remain there eating, Zabrynna decides to pull out a stack of flash cards to get in more studying while she eats.
An hour or so later, long done with supper, Zabrynna packs up her things once more and heads to Ravenclaw House, knowing if she stays much longer she'd fall asleep again and risk getting caught out after hours.
Put A Smile On Your Face
Author: Plum
Date: 07-23-11 10:29
Plum turns a waffle out onto a plate then pours more batter in the waffle iron moving it back over the flame. Anthony, hair ruffled from sleep, stands in the arch leading into the hallway. "What smells so good?"
"Breakfast. Waffles and bacon. There's coffee but I can make you some tea if you prefer."
"No, coffee's great," Anthony replies moving to pour himself a cup then take a seat at the table. Plum slides a plate in front of him with the piping hot waffles she'd just turned out. After setting a plate of crisp bacon within his reach she turns to flip the waffle iron over to ensure even cooking of this next batch.
After taking his first bite Anthony says, "This is all really good but with Alex on a sleepover, you could have slept in longer."
"I wanted to make you breakfast and as I don't have to go in to work today, I can always go back to bed after you've gone."
Plum adds the now ready waffle to Anthony's already half empty plate then goes through the process of pouring batter into the iron for another.
"You should take this one. Sit and eat," Anthony tells her.
"I'll have this next one. Go on and eat. You're the one who has to be somewhere this morning."
Anthony gives her a look but doesn't argue further. Instead he asks, "What's on your agenda today?"
"Going to sign us up for the family plan at the Health Nut. I so need to do regular workouts. There's also wedding planning. I knew a lot of planning could go into even a small wedding but I had no real idea just what's involved. Laura and Christopher letting us have the wedding at their goreous home is at least one huge burden lifted. We just need to decide morning, afternoon, or evening. Time of day will greatly help me determine some of these other decisions that need to be made."
"Such as?"
"Type of food served. The dresses I settled on for the bridesmaids. October is chilly so I don't want dresses they'll all freeze in but I'd definitely pick out something different for an evening wedding when it will be even cooler. Oh, that's another thing, we need to decide indoors or out. If outside, it would be in that large, formal garden the Reese-Emersons have. Any preference or opinion?"
"Can I think about it?"
"Of course, but we do need to get to this soon. I hate to sound cliché but October will be here before we know it."
"Yeah, I will, I promise. And I'll get you the list of groomsmen and ushers, though I don't have to tell you who the best man is."
"I'm sure Severus Snape was honored to be asked."
Anthony prods Plum with one of his feet. "I think it's a damn shame I'm marrying someone with no sense of humor." He looks at what little remains on his plate. "This was great but I should shower and get going. There's one case that we're under a serious time crunch on. I should go shower and get dressed."
Anthony tends to keep is work discussions here at home limited to generalities though from time to time he does say more. On this instance, Plum has a feeling Anthony is referring to the case involving murders each summer solstace. It's a case he's even spoken with sister-in-law Bronwyn about.
Plum smiles coyly. "You're going to work and before long will be all serious and frowny. I can at least send you off to work with a smile on your face. Need help washing your back?"
"You know, I just might." Anthony grins, a devilish glint in his eyes as he holds out a hand to Plum.
Later after things had progressed from the shower to the bedroom, Anthony on his side props up on one elbow. "You know, we may need to arrange more sleepovers for Alex."
"I think that's doable, though you realize we will have to reciprocate by having whichever friend sleep over here as well."
"If it helps ensure he continues away sleepovers, then I'm all for it. Between last night and this morning I don't think either of us needs to worry about joining a gym to get in regular workouts. Okay, I should probably take another quick shower after all that."
Plum asks, "Want me to wash your back?"
"That's what led to me needing a second shower in the first place, you minx," Anthony laughs as he throws a pillow at the giggling Plum.
A short time later, the freshly showered and dressed Anthony is kissing Plum goodbye. She snuggles down into the bed, enjoying a few minutes sans hyper morning child Alex before rolling out of bed to do something with her still damp hair, dress, and get busy with wedding planning.
Memory Lane
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 07-23-11 17:40
It's such a nice day that instead of doing the housework I'd intended this morning I'm sitting in the backyard, enjoying the sun and a book. My two growing puppies Bogart and Bacall were cavorting about earlier, playing tug of war with a length of knotted rope but have now settled down practically on top of each other at my feet, eyes closed, both of them cutely snoring softly. And then suddenly there are both wide awake, up, facing one side of the house, and barking.
I stand and start that direction, both of them right behind me. I'm about halfway when a familiar face comes around the corner. "Prunella! So good to see you. How are you? Bogart! Bacall! Hush now!"
"Hi, Furnie, I'm good. So these are the puppies you were telling me about. Should I wait on this side of the gate?"
"No, come on back. Well, that is unless you don't want to be sniffed to death by two puppies who are going to quickly realize you are a friend."
"I rather like dogs and they both are adorable," Prunella says as she opens the gate and step through.
The dogs are quick learners but we've not yet quite mastered the stay command so they both sit quivering for a second or two before breaking out in brisk trots to go greet Prunella Cromwell. She kneels down to let them both smell her hands and to give them each head rubs before rising and coming over to where I still stand. I gesture to the wrought iron patio table and chairs. "Come sit down. Would you like something to drink?"
"Thank you, but now," Prunella says, reaching where I am then continuing past to go sit, me falling into step beside her.
The dogs are still very interested in this new friend so I end up giving them each a rawhide bone to chew on to give Prunella and me a moment of peace. Blissful expressions on their faces, Bogart and Bacall settle in again at my feet to chew away on their bones.
Pruneilla bends to give them each another head pat then sitting up, looks me directly in the eyes. "I've been bothered by something."
"What? Is something wrong?"
"I not sure exactly but everything isn't right, that's for certain. As you know, after meeting your Max Black I could see why in hoping so much to see Forest again you'd mistake Max for him. Also, like you, I can also see that up close, there are enough differences that he's clearly not Forest and when he speaks he doesn't sound like Forest. His mannerisms aren't the same. But,"
"Yes?"
"I couldn't stop thinking about what or, rather, who you saw at Emrys Fest last year. I looked at that memory of yours in a pensieve so many times. Since meeting Max I've gone back and had another look at the copy that was made. Several looks if I'm going to be absolutely honest. I swear that's not Max you saw that day, Furnie."
"I want to believe that, Prunella, I do, but it's just wishful thinking."
"Have you asked Max about Aberdeen?"
"No, not after chasing down who I thought was Forest in Knockturn Alley only to have it be Max."
"Ask him if he's was in Aberdeen those times you thought you saw Forest. Ask him if he was at Emrys Fest last summer. What will it hurt?
I lean forward. "Me. I could hurt me." I can hear the earnestness in my voice.
"It's not just you hurting and missing him. You were so obsessed with proving you saw him, with finding him. Don't stop now simply because of Max. Forest deserves our help in proving that he didn't die in Azkaban or one of the prison communities."
"What about the Blood Hound evidence?" I ask weakly, knowing I won't keep up this resistance much longer.
"As you well know the Blood Hound detected traces not full or even partial remains. Why are you being obstinate? You are the one who saw Forest at Emrys Fest well after we all thought him dead. You are the one who kept seeing him, who convinced some of us to resume the search."
I hold up a hand, palm outward, indicating for Prunella to stop. "I don't know why I'm arguing with you on this. Maybe it's that believing it was Max each time was finally giving me peace of mind."
"I understand, I do. Let's go for real closure though."
"You're absolutely right. We owe Forest that much."
Furnie reaches out to take each of my hands in hers. "I brought a pensieve with me. I left it in a box at your front door." Letting go of my hands she takes her wand and points it at the side gate she came through. "Accio pensieve!"
Taking a deep breath, I steel myself for another trip down memory lane.
Fifth Year Ancient Runes (AJ)
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 07-23-11 20:30
"Homework on my desk, please," AJ repeats are more fifth years enter the classroom.
Stifling a yawn, he contemplates taking a cat nap after his class ends and the start of his Thursday office hours. After getting home last night Mariposa and he both had work to do but then once in bed they'd ended up talking about Mariposa's concern for her sister Zabrynna. AJ senses there's something she's not telling him but he wonders if he doesn't know what it is. He's not said anything though and isn't sure exactly how to broach it without making her feel she's betraying Zabrynna's trust. At the same time, he feels as if he should say something, and soon, because if it is what he thinks, then Zabrynna is much further from mental recovery than most of them think she is.
This topic led into them talking further about Margretta Ravensdale, Mariposa's soon to be ex-stepmother. Then, because neither wanted to go to sleep with their last thoughts on that odious woman, they changed the subject and talked about much more pleasant things. That in turn led to even pleasanter things though it did result in neither going to sleep until the wee hours.
As AJ yawns once more the idea of a cat nap at noon is even more appealing. It's not as though he'd be skipping lunch since he can have a bite to eat in his office once his office hours begin.
He checks the time, looks from one side of the class to another, notes that everyone's there so goes on and shuts the classroom door. It's a pleasant day out and he's got a couple of the windows open for a cross breeze and doesn't want the nice air flow interrupted by the door being open. "Everyone's homework is in? Excellent. You'll be happy to know that other than working on the OWL study guide and preparing for your exam in here next week, there's no homework for Tuesday."
AJ picks up a stack of parchment from his desk. "And speaking of the studying guide," he sends the stack to the front of one row to begin passing out. "As I just mentioned a moment ago, your last exam in class is a week from today. It will be short but you will have to be prepared for it. Some of you have borderline marks that could go up or down when I do your end of term average. Yes, Jenny?"
"Why do we need end of term averages in our classes if it's only the OWLs that count?"
"Ah, but that's just it, it's not only the OWLs that count. Your OWLs are extremely important in that they are a good indicator of how well you've progressed to day. They help determine your class placements next term. Some professors are far more stringent in who they accept to the advanced courses. Professor Snape, for example, has an extremely high requirement and simply because you might meet that requirement with your OWL mark, you could still be turned down for placement in his class because you made less than acceptable marks in his class. Good question, Jenny. Two points for Hufflepuff. Carlotta?"
"How can someone make an O on an OWL exam but not do well in the actual class?"
"You'd be surprised that it does happen. Some students don't do well in a classroom environment or don't test well on that particular professor's exams yet find the OWL, even with all the stress that goes with it, much easier to get through. More often the reverse is true. A student does exceedingly well a course but does miserably on the OWL in that subject. Stress. The difference in how that exam is with the professor's exam. Even being cocky in thinking that because one is doing well in the course, one does not have to study as much for the OWL. Now, let's get to today's work, shall we? Who can tell me how many runes are visible in this house's exterior architecture?"
The students are quiet as they study the image AJ has revealed.
"Hadrian?"
"Three."
"Correct. Two points to Raveclaw. Identify them and I'll make it five."
Hadrian gets up to point to each of the three on the image. "This directly above the entrance is for protection of home and property. This one here is protection against evil magic, and that one," his finger circles the third bindrune, "is peace and unity. And, darn, what's that t word?"
"Tranquility," AJ provides. "Very good, Hadrian. Five points for Ravenclaw. All right, next picture."
By the time class is over AJ's had the fifth years drawing houses and incorporating a minimum number of bindrunes in the simple line drawing structures along with an explanation of why each used the particular bindrunes chosen. He dismisses them after collecting the in-class work and reminding them about next week's exam and to begin working on their OWL study guides. Gathering up the homework turned in at the beginning of class, AJ follows the last of the students out and heads straight to his office for that cat nap.
Spearmint and St. John's Wort
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 07-24-11 10:00
Lawrence stood at the front of the green house, while his sixth year class went through their identification of the herbs that we'd discussed earlier in the week. He'd given them twenty minutes to identify most of the herbs that he'd put out on display on the large worktable in front of the classroom.
"Time. Please pass all parchments to the front." He then moved to settle at his desk. "Isabella, would you please collect the parchments and then hand out these study guides."
Isabella quickly got up and collected the parchments, before handing out the study guides. "These guides that you are getting are for your final exam at the end of next month. Yes, we only have one more month of classes left for this term. This guide will give you an idea of exactly what I will be expecting of you on your final. Both practical in nature and written."
Lawrence moved to the work table, and with a flick of his wand, summoned the topic of today's lecture to the surface of the table. "Beyond that, here is today's lecture topics Spearmint and St. John's Wort."
"Alright, who can tell me what some of the medicinal properties are of St. John's Wort from your reading?"
After a few moments a couple of hands shot into the air. "Henry."
"St. John's wort is a good treatment for depression in small doses. It can also be made into an herbal tea."
"Very good, five points Gryffindor. Alright, now, some of the medicinal properties of spearmint?"
"John."
"The leaves can be crushed and put in a poultice for bruises. Also, as an herbal tea it can treat fever, chills, indigestion and symptoms of the common cold."
"Excellent. Five points to Slytherin."
The remainder of the class period was spent identifying the different species of St. John's Wort as well as transplanting the plants and collecting samples.
He had a lunch date with Ariella while she was on break between classes and her shift at Briar's from earlier in the day. After that he had one more class before office hours began.