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Minor Separation Anxiety
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 12-10-11 10:33
Jim and I had both been up early, and while Meagan slept we had breakfast. She'd be going to Blossom's today and ultimately would remain there until Jim got out of work, because I had some paperwork that I had to complete at the Ministry after my second class. Thankfully my classes were split two on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and the other two were on Tuesday and Thursday. I'd shown Meagan off when I'd gone to pick up my books and schedule on Saturday to ensure that everything was right.
"Alright, you should probably get going. Your first class starts in about thirty minutes..." I said after clearing the breakfast dishes and giving Jim a quick kiss. "Today is your late day right?"
"Yeah. History of Healing first thing, then a shift afterwards and then back to class from three thirty to seven." He said pressing a kiss to my cheek grabbing his bag and disapparating for the campus.
I took my time getting things together for Meagan while she was at daycare today. I heard her making noises over the baby monitor so I grabbed her bottle and headed into the nursery, plucking her up from the crib, she got the bottle while I laid her on the changing table and took care of last night's diaper. Once she was changed, dressed, and her breakfast was finished I set her in her play pen while I finished getting ready.
"Mommy will see you later this afternoon. You going to be at Blossom's for the day while Mommy and Daddy are at both school and work." I said with a smile looking down at Meagan as she chewed on her favorite stuffed animal.
I picked her up and cuddled her, pressing a kiss to her brow. "Now, you be a good girl for the staff at Blossom's and Mommy will come get you as soon as her errands are done okay?"
Meagan's response was a coo and to wave the stuffed animal back and forth. she laughed as she was put in her pram, I double checked the diaper bag and made sure I had change of clothes, formula, bottles, binkies, blankie, and extra diapers, wipes and things of that nature. Finding everything was there, I grabbed my bag and headed out to drop her off at Blossom's so I could head to class at St. Emrys.
I had to fight the urge to take her with me, despite the fact that we'd set her up for daycare two weeks ago, and she'd been once or twice so Jim and I could have some downtime without intruding on whatever plans his or my parents had. It took me about ten minutes to shake off that urge to take her with me, bring her to class with me and keep her with me all day (because I knew that she'd be safe with me), and began to wonder why I was suddenly having all these doubts...yet there they were.
After several moments, I steeled myself and quickly disapparated after a wave to the staff and a kiss to Meagan. Because if I didn't go then, I wasn't going to and then I'd waste an entire term because I wouldn't be able to take the classes I needed to finish my degree.
I'd gotten to St. Emrys I had to make an emergency trip back to Blossom's and exchange the diaper bag that I'd taken to St. Emrys with me for my messenger bag that had my textbooks in it for class today. With a quick wave to Meagan I disapparated back to St. Emrys for my first class, which I managed to still get to on time (barely!).
Monday Morning Madness
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 12-10-11 13:57
Saturday, after my shift in the village I had to run to St. Emrys to grab my schedule and my books. I also had made a quick stop at Flourish & Blotts for some new books of parchment and a couple more quills for note taking, as well as a couple of quick quote quills. At the moment, it was Monday and I didn't sit for my first class until Thursday afternoon, thankfully. My classes were split between Thursday and Friday afternoon/evening. Two each night.
For now, I was getting ready for my usually busy Monday morning. I'd gone for a run in the chilly early morning air before the sun had risen, a thirty minute yoga and devotional session before a quick shower and then dressed in my favorite Jason Wu Satin Piped Tuxedo Pants, Lace Trim Wool Sweatshirt and paired it with my favorite Dior Metal Cannage Heel Platform Pumps. My professor's robe over it, and grabbing my Kanji mug filled with my first cup of coffee I headed down to my classroom.
"Professor Davyd?"
"Ah, Miss Blackwood. To what do I owe this early visit?"
"I've a couple of questions about the assignment that is due this week?"
"Alright, we have a few minutes before class begins. Come on..."
We went in, and as more of the students filtered in it seems they all had the same questions. "Alright, we will go over the assignment that is due this week since it would seem that several of you have the same questions."
With that, the lecture started in earnest and went until ten o'clock without much pause. Also, my Mondays were too busy, so I was glad that I had Saturday to get my errands done and to ensure that I had everything in order for my first class on Thursday.
Stinky Mistake - Not So Good Monday
Author: Rylee
Date: 12-10-11 18:05
Monday's were killer for me, but I'd fallen into a routine, a month and a week into the school year. Wanted the stupid flying lessons to be over and done with so I wouldn't have to deal with the use of a broom ever again - because I had no intention of playing Quidditch or any other sport that required me getting sweaty or otherwise dirty. Breakfast had been sourdough toast with strawberry jam, a fried egg, sausage, and a glass of orange juice. I'd debated a mug of tea given the chill in the air, but I figured I'd have one with lunch and another with dinner.
I slipped the strap of my messenger bag over my shoulder and headed out of the great hall mingled amongst the others heading to their classes for the day. Sliding a hand through my hair as I dropped into my seat in Transfiguration, pulling my textbook, quill and parchment. I also had Potions and then History of Magic to round out my day.
I think the only highlight of my day at the moment was the fact that I got to look at Gideon all day, and doodle on my parchments during class, when I really, really should be paying attention. However, during potions when I was supposed to be watching what was in my cauldron, I was watching Gideon at the table in front of me and unfortunately ruined the potion I was trying to make for the assignment.
Green, sticky, and putrid smelling goop clung to my robe. Professor Weasley managed to get most of it off, however, there was that putrid smell that lingered, and a fresh spritz of my Carnal Flower perfume by Frederic Malle and Dominique Ropion, two muggle perfumists that my mother and I both adored, did nothing to cut the smell of that potion. "This will come out of my robes right? I mean, I don't have time to go to my room and change into a fresh robe before History of Magic, and I'd rather not risk being late."
Professor Weasley once more assured me that the smell was temporary and would ultimately fade by the end of the day, and be completely gone by the time the robe was laundered by the house elves. She then scolded me for not paying attention in front of the whole class, which was almost like adding insult to injury. Also, it meant that I would be redoing the assignment for homework because I didn't have enough time to complete the assignment in class thanks to my stinky blunder.
"Miss Marks, you will return during my office hours to complete today's assignment."
"Yes Professor Weasley." I said, sighing and gathering my things considering that class was now over. This sucked, it really, really sucked, and to top it all off I am going to probably take a seat in the back of the classroom when I get into History of Magic so that I don't have to listen to people sniggering or otherwise complaining about the smell.
I double checked my syllabus and noted when Professor Weasley's office hours were, which meant that I had three hours after History of Magic before I had to return to the potions classroom to redo this assignment.
"It looks like the little socialite got what was coming to her..." Sneered someone who walked past me, I wasn't entirely sure who it was - I mean, why would I bother socializing with someone from a different house who was beneath me. It's unfortunate that I ignore the little lessons that life throws at me - without realizing really what they are.
Shrugging off the snide comment, I sink into my seat in History of Magic, willing that the next hour passes quickly so I could get out of this robe and into a hot shower before I had to go back to potions with Professor Weasley.
(Maggie) - 10 Days In
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 12-10-11 18:24
Sunday afternoon, nine days ago, after Lawrence had talked to Headmaster Dumbledore, he had taken me shopping to get the items that I needed for the term at Hogwarts. My things were going to be moved into Hufflepuff house, and I'd be staying in the castle for breaks, or traveling with Lawrence and his wife if I chose to. Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall had placed the sorting hat on my head and that had been a unique experience truth be told, and beyond that I'd been beyond nervous because it was somewhat different than how things were done in Sydney. Robes and all I'd eaten my second meal at the table, but this time I was sitting with my classmates, that had been lunch yesterday.
I missed the private shower in my brother's quarters, but beyond that, it was no different really than being in Sydney. I grabbed my books and tucked them into my messenger bag and headed down to breakfast. A wave to Lawrence who I'd have class with tomorrow afternoon when I went to Herbology for the first time – no, that wouldn't be awkward at all, sorry, my sarcasm was showing. As it was, I was still trying to remember everyone that was essentially part of my family now – crazy big as it now was because of my sister-in-law's family.
"Beware Professor Snape, he can be rather harsh, but you'll learn a lot from him. Also, try not to go all boy crazy over Professor Douglass or Professor Hodfuffer." Lawrence said with a grin as he came up behind me and let a hand rest on my shoulder. "But, all in all enjoy your first day of class. Nathaniel, if you could please help show Maggie around please? She's still trying to get the feel of the castle."
"Of course Professor Masterson, I'd be delighted." He said, after finishing up his breakfast he waited for me to be done and then the pair of us headed from the Great Hall, merging with the rest of the student body who were heading to their nine am classes or heading to the various other environs in the castle be it their own house commons, the common common room or wherever they desired to be.
"So, umm…thanks Nathaniel is it?" I said, like I needed another name to remember, but it's all good. I'd get it eventually. For now, I had Professor Snape to contend with, and it was my first day of class. Nathaniel moved to his seat and I moved off to one of the empty seats.
That had been nine days ago, and truth be told, I was still trying to get things together and get back into the swing of things. Herbology was decidedly not one of my favorites and having my brother as a teacher wasn't all that bad. Though, I know some seem to think that I might get preferential treatment because I'm related to the professor, but not gonna happen, simply because the pair of us have already had that discussion.
I'd had lunch with Nathaniel once or twice during the last few days, and still trying to get my footing, and I know Lawrence was going to be starting his own schoolwork soon enough with the restarting of the term at St. Emrys, Ariella would be starting classes as well and with my own course work would be picking up eventually.
At the moment I was sitting on the main staircase leading into the Great Hall after DADA, looking over something for Professor Knight's Charms class that will be starting at one. Cursing inwardly I realized I'd left my lecture notes from Friday in my room. Pushing myself up I headed to Hufflepuff house and quickly grabbed my notes and apparently my essay, and managed to slip into the Great Hall and grab a seat next to Adelaide.
"I seriously would have had major issues in Charms later if I hadn't realized that I'd left my essay sitting on my bed from when I'd been looking over it this morning before breakfast." I said as I grabbed half a turkey and cheese sandwich from the plate and filled a small bowl with some of the broccoli and cheese soup that sat on the table in a large pot.
"Yeah, that wouldn't have gone over well at all with Professor Knight. So beyond that, how are you and your brother getting along?" She asked between bites of what looked like a ham and swiss on pumpernickel bread.
"We are getting along pretty good. I had fun at my new sister-in-law's brother's wedding on the first, and shopping with Lawrence the day after. Beyond that, we haven't been able to spend much time with each other between my course work, his getting ready to start at uni today, and his own teaching schedule. But, I think we are going to be spending some time together this weekend." I said, looking over my lecture notes just incase there was a pop quiz today in Charms.
"Sounds good, just sucks that you can't leave campus and like go to lunch with him in the village or something like that." Adelaide said. "Will have to do something like that on the next Hogsmeade trip in December."
"Yeah, he mentioned something like that and I figure it sounds like a good idea, and by then I will have more than enough time to settle in and get my own routine going." I said with a light smile and finished off my sandwich and soup. "Alright, I will see you in Charms in a little bit. Gonna stop by and wish my brother luck tonight on his first day of classes."
With that I headed out of the Great Hall and out of the Castle to the Greenhouse for a moment to talk to Lawrence.
In a Classroom - This Time as Student not Teacher
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 12-10-11 18:35
Thankfully I only had one class on Mondays, but I kept my schedule for classes at St. Emry's in the evening so that it wouldn't clash with any office appointments or anything along those lines. I'd taught my one class and then grabbed a quick bite from Burger Wizard before apparating to St. Emry's and heading to my first class which was Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. From there I would be heading to Advanced Herbology I.
I was meeting Ariella for a late dinner at an Indian place in Muggle London before heading home for the night. I am loving the fact that Maggie was settling in nicely, and she and I still had quite a bit of things to get situated between us and I still had my own issues with the fact that my father had had an affair and fathered a child to deal with.
The moment I stepped into the classroom I smiled, loving the scents of the herbs that mingled within the confines of the classroom. The herbal mixtures and scents that filled the room were comforting and exactly what I had welcomed into my life when I'd fallen in love with herbology when I'd first started at Sydney.
"Welcome to Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. I am Professor Ivrea. Your syllabus is here, and we will go over it first and foremost and then get right into the heart of the matter." With that, the syllabi were passed out and soon enough the introduction to the course was completed and we went immediately into the heart of the course.
Five assignments heavier, I left Aromatherapy and Essential oils and headed to Advanced Herbology which I'd be sitting through until eight pm when I could finally head out and meet my wife for a late dinner and find out how her day had gone. Maggie's had gone well I'd spoken to her earlier before my class at two and before she'd gone to her own last class of the day.
A Fantastic Monday Morning
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 12-10-11 19:15
Dawn had broken and I'd watched the sunrise in wolf form on the edge of the Forbidden Forest before I went to my usual place where I shifted back into my human form and dressed quickly before I headed into the Castle with a brief not at Mister Filch. Heading down into Slytherin House, I would head to my room to grab a fresh change of clothes and take a quick shower before I would head to breakfast and then ultimately to my first of four classes that would fill my day, and then a lengthy break before I go to Astronomy at Midnight.
I'd hated not going on the first Hogsmeade trip of the year, but now that I was feeling better I'd caught up on the few little assignments that I'd missed because I'd been sick and all in all my marks were fine. I still had some of the things left from the trip that Arthur had brought for me and that my mom had sent home with the group when they'd stopped by to let her know that I wasn't going to be coming today.
After I'd gotten dressed, leaving my towel hung on the back of a chair to dry, I double checked my messenger bag to make sure I had my notes, assignments, and textbooks for History of Magic with Professor Davyd. I'd have a little bit of time to come back and change out my textbooks for Transfiguration at elven.
I'd eaten a large breakfast and what I hadn't eaten had been eaten by Hermes after he landed on the table with a letter from Mum - never mind he looked like he'd been fed quite well. He'd been nibbling at mom's no doubt and tormenting Ares of course. I grabbed the letter from Mom and read through it on my way to class, I'd respond and send Hermes, my dear hawk back to Mom after Defense Against the Dark Arts got out at three and I had that block of time between it and Astronomy started.
"Morning. You look bright and chipper this morning." Arthur said as I sat down next to him in History of Magic. He placed a kiss on my cheek and offered me a smile.
"I'd talked to Professor Snape this morning and I got an early morning run in this morning and worked off some excess energy before shower and breakfast." I gave him a quick kiss and then Professor Davyd was breezing into the room and taking her place in the front of the classroom.
Substitute
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 12-10-11 21:50
"You have everything in hand?" Albus Dumbledore asks, stepping into the office.
Looking up from the lesson plans he was reading for about the fiftieth time, Pyrrhus nods. "Yes, sir, I think so."
"But you are nervous."
"Very."
"An understandable emotion to be experiencing, particularly under the circumstances. We - I - greatly appreciate you offering to help in the interim."
"I don't know what I was thinking," Py says only half joking. More soberly he adds, "I really wish this were simply a case of someone being ill."
"A sentiment most, if not all, of us share."
"How are Marjani and Zuberi?"
"Still in something of a state of shock, angry, though Zuberi seems to be handling it far more maturely than his past behavior when experiencing a great loss. They should be returning from Africa in another day or two, unless they decide to return to school there."
"Viktor wrote that he's offered them a place to stay as long as they want."
"Yes, he let me know that as well. There are relatives, none close, who have also offered. With Zuberi seventeen, it is Marjani who will need a legal guardian. As she is sixteen, I believe she is being given a great deal of say as to who that is. Have you had lunch?"
"No, not yet."
"I'm going now. You should as well. We can't have you passing out from hunger just as you begin your first Fitness & Athletics class."
"That would be horribly embarrassing so even though I feel a little too nervous to eat, I will go with you anyway."
Tucking the lesson plan copy into a manila file, Py carries it with him to the Great Hall so that he can read over it about fifty more times while running through a mental check list that he does indeed have everything in order for the first and second years F&A class this afternoon.
Solemn
Author: Ella
Date: 12-11-11 16:23
The library was empty when Ella packed up her things to leave for supper. She slipped past the house-elf on duty and stepped out into the corridor, which also seemed devoid of life. A few figures stirred lazily in their portraits, but many frames lacked their occupants. Ella later discovered them gossiping together in one of the larger paintings.
She briefly wondered why the halls seemed so empty. It gave the illusion that it was later in the evening than it actually was. Ella almost felt like Filch or Professor Snape would turn a corner at any moment and accuse her of being out of bed after curfew.
She stepped onto one of the staircases and started to navigate down, when it began to move. Sighing, Ella allowed it to carry her away from her intended destination. Maybe she could wait for it to move back, but it might be faster to find an alternative route. The staircase came to a shuddering halt as it locked into place with its new landing. Ella, who had stopped moving when the staircase had begun changing its course, restarted her descent. When she came upon the landing, she looked up and saw a portrait of a boy on a broomstick at the Quidditch pitch. He was wearing an old Gryffindor sweater. The wind swept his hair back and whipped at his clothes. He held the quaffle in his hand and bounced it up and down continuously.
He smiled at Ella, but Ella couldn't help but frown. Seeing the boy on his broom reminded her of the tragedy that had occurred in Hogsmeade. Ella hadn't been a witness, thank Merlin, but it had been terrible to imagine all the same. The next night, Dumbledore had given a solemn speech at dinner about what had happened. Ella hadn't been the only one to leave the Great Hall with tears in her eyes.
As a result of the tragedy, F&A had been cancelled last week, but Quidditch practice had carried on as usual. Leading the Gryffindors hadn't been easy under the circumstances, but they'd still somehow managed to have a decent set of practices.
"Ella!"
The sound of her name came out of no where and startled Ella so much that she jumped. She turned and saw Francis on a landing across the room.
"Are you coming to dinner?" he shouted.
"I'm on my way!" Ella responded. By chance, the staircase decided to move again. Ella immediately hopped on before it could leave without her. It carried her to where Francis waited. He took the steps two at a time to meet her and then together, they went to the Great Hall for supper.