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Just Before Closing
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 03-29-12 18:46
While Julian is ringing up probably the last customer of the evening Lysander returns from a sale held by a private library. Julian hands over change and shopping bag, "Have a nice evening."
Lysander sets a box on the counter. "Most of the offerings weren't anything we'd want but there were a few that made the trip worth it. Anything happen?"
"Sold the 1679 McPherson."
"You didn't. Seriously? How much did we get for it?"
"The full thirty-five, paid in full." As that would be 35,000 galleons, Julian's can't help but smile.
Lysander's broad smile is a mirror of Julian's. "That's awesome. I just knew we'd get someone who'd haggle and end up getting it for five or ten less than we were asking. Did Charlotte decide to go with Grace?"
Lisette had wanted to take Grace to a place that does dress up tea parties and Grace had invited Charlotte to go along. "Yes, and Mum said something about having them stay the night but if tonight's not a good night for that, they should be back to her house soon so let her know."
"Tonight's fine and I know she'll have a good time."
"Did I tell you the twins have check-ups in the morning?"
"Yeah, but thanks for reminding me."
"I've a question for you. How would you like my flat to expand into, give Charlotte more room?"
"Where would you go?"
"I looked at a couple of houses, one of them is on the West Lane. With four kids now, even if Caerwyn is at Hogwarts part of the year and Grace at Briar's half the week, I think a bigger place would be better. You could expand into both flats or take the larger one back and rent out the smaller one or we could utilize that space for something else."
Lysander nods, "Yeah, I'll think over which I'd prefer to do, thanks."
Julian's attention returns to the box of books from the sale. "Let's see what you've got. Oh, excellent, a first edition of Glauson's History Of Alchemy. Just last week someone was asking about this very title."
(Ariella) Gillian Reaches a Decision
Author: Beck
Date: 03-30-12 16:52
"Ariella, wait!"
The red-haired witch moved to the side of the busy corridor and turned toward the invidivual who'd called out her name. It was Gillian Colley, who wore her own red hair in a single plait over her right shoulder. She came to a stop in front of Ariella and looked a little out of breath.
"Hi, Gillian," Ariella greeted. She hadn't talked to Gillian in ages, mostly because Gillian hadn't been in contact with her lately.
"Hi," Gillian breathed, "do you have a moment to talk?"
"More than one," Ariella said. "I don't have class till 2 pm. I'm just early because I wanted to do some research in the library."
The class she had at two o'clock was Invention and Design. On Monday, during the very first class meeting, the professor had assigned everyone in the small class a project to be presented to the class the last week of term. Ariella already had one patented invention under her belt, so hopefully she could think of something to invent for her class project.
They started walking together.
"I'm really sorry I haven't been very communicative lately," Gillian said.
"It's all right," Ariella honestly replied. "I know you had a lot to think about, and I'm sure it must be strange for you to look at me as your sister, even when we resemble each other. Have you decided whether or not you want to take the test so that we can confirm what we already know about each other?"
"Yes," Gillian said. "I have. I keep telling myself that I've been wanting the truth all along. It's why I left New Zealand and came here."
They arrived at the library and found an empty study carrel. The girls sat down and compared schedules to see when the best time was for them to make a trip to St. Mungo's. It wouldn't be today, because Ariella still wanted to do her research and then she was stuck in class all afternoon. But, there was always tomorrow.
Keeping Busy
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 03-31-12 08:49
Fritz hasn't spoken with or heard from Berthold Beatenberg since before Christmas. Sometimes he thinks about hauling out the book and attempting to make contact with Beatenberg's spirit, but he always thinks better of it. He knows that nothing good can come out of the book, though he can't help but wonder why Henrietta Hockenheim bequeathed it to him. Surely, she hadn't known that Fritz was a wizard. Surely, she hadn't known that Beatenberg's spirit was in the book. Surely, it's all just a coincidence.
Fritz is very curious to know what Beatenberg was going to say about Frau Hockenheim before they were interrupted by Fritz's mother. But he's not so curious to break his own silence with the book. No doubt, Beatenberg's spirit will contact him again at some point. Fritz has stopped carrying around the book, though, so it may be a while yet before that happens.
In the meantime, he's concentrating on his fifth term at St. Emrys University. Hilary Term started this week. Fritz is enrolled in five classes: Advanced Herbology for Potions, Medical Potions II, Venom and Anti-Venom, Introduction to Wizarding Music Appreciation and Practice of Transfiguration. His potions classes all have lectures and labs, so his schedule is very full this term.
He's also still working at J. Pippin's, but he's cut back on his hours to accommodate his return to classes at the university.
Right now he's on his way to his music class. It's his fun class for term, not that he doesn't think his potions classes are fun, of course. To become a potions master is his life's dream. It has been almost ever since his first lesson with Professor Snape.
He slips into the auditorium and takes a seat somewhere in the middle. The professor is already up front setting up a magical gramophone. The first class meeting had been on Monday and had mostly involved introducing the class, though they had listened to some music. Today the syllabus calls for wizarding folk tunes. Fritz doesn't know a single one, though he can think of a lot of Muggle ones (in German, of course).
He takes out a quill, ink well, and parchment and prepares to take notes.
The Bicorn's Arrival
Author: Jolyon
Date: 03-31-12 10:46
Jolyon had gotten permission from Professor Dumbledore to have a bicorn brought in for the seventh years' Care of Magical Creatures class. Bicorns were dangerous creatures that looked like ordinary cows. As their name suggested, they had two horns, which they shed annually and which were useful in potion-making.
Two rough-looking cattlewizards had just arrived at Hogwarts and were maneuvering a trailer against the opening of one of the outdoor pens on the grounds. The wizards, Chester and Cosmo, waved their wands expertly, easing the trailer into position. Once it was where it needed to be, Chester waved his wand at the latch on the trailer door and released a jet black bicorn.
It looked a lot like a Black Angus cow, but Jolyon knew not to be deceived by its appearance. The bicorn snorted through its nostrils, quite visibly in the cold air, and took in everything with glaring eyes.
"He's a beauty," Hagrid said, admiring the beast from the other side of the pen. Hagrid was wearing his moleskin coat and mismatched mittens on his giant hands.
"He is, but don't get too close now," Chester said. "He hates traveling and is especially unhappy right now."
The bicorn started pacing the length of its pen and then along its perimeter, as if searching for a way out.
Jolyon checked his watch. It was still a good half hour until the start of his class.
Chester and Cosmo conjured a bucket of water, which they placed into the pen, and which the bicorn dutifully ignored. They also hung a bucket of feed over one of the fence posts and threw a small bale of hay into the pen. Bicorns preferred the flesh of happily married men to cow fodder, but would eat it if they didn't have any other option.
Other than possibly feeling the wrath of the angry bicorn, Jolyon, Hagrid and the two cattlewizards didn't have to worry about being its next meal as none of them were married. Unless one of his students was secretly married, Jolyon didn't anticipate there being a problem once class began.
While Chester and Cosmo made sure the bicorn was as comfortable as possible and happily answered Hagrid's questions about the creature, Jolyon summoned several lanterns, which he hung at even intervals around the fence posts. It was still daylight now and would be for the first half of class, but nightfall was imminent. Jolyon had no intention of moving the class into the barn once the sun went down, even though it would be even colder then than it already was now. Perhaps a few warming charms were in order, too.
After his preparations were finished, he joined Hagrid and talked with Chester and Cosmo about the bicorn until the first students started arriving for class.
With Philippa In Orange
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 03-31-12 11:04
Setting the tray down then taking a seat across from Zabrynna, Philippa sighs, "Tell me again why I signed up for an all afternoon lab followed by a night class on Wednesdays, which is a bad enough day of the week as it is."
"Because the lab today is the only section taught by Jamie Gladstone and because if you had not taken the night class you would have had to take the class with one of two professors you know you can't stand."
"True that. I don't think I could sit three days a week with either of those awful people. No one likes them. Why are they still employed here?"
"Maybe the university is having trouble finding someone else qualified."
"You call those two qualified?"
"I only know one of them in person, though I've certainly heard enough about the other to feel as if I do."
Philippa takes a sip of tea, starts to say more on the subject of the two much disliked professors but decides there's nothing more to say without getting into a total bitch session. She has neither of them this term so why waste the energy? Instead, she asks Zabrynna, "Lab with hunky Jamie Gladstone is over so why are you still here?"
"You asked me to grab a bite with you after class."
"You are hanging around campus instead of going home because i asked you for tea? That's sweet of you."
"There's also the research I want to get started on at the library and there's killing time until I meet Indigo for a bite."
"You certainly see a lot of Indigo for just being friends."
"I see even more of you, Philippa, so are you saying there's something going on between us?" Zabrynna dryly asks even while giving an over exaggerated wink.
"Secret's out now. The real reason I don't go on more dates with overly hot, sexy men. Now that we are admitting our undying love and devotion to one another, I suggest we get a flat together. If Indigo would then be inclined to be the filling of a sandwich between us, I would not complain."
Zabrynna nearly chokes with laughter on the butterbeer she'd just taken a drink of. Somehow she manages not to spew it all over the table and Philippa. When she can speak she says, "If you are interested in Indigo, I can feel him out on his interest in you."
"Feel him out. That sounds yummy."
"That's all you heard? Merlin, but you are sounding more and more like Anne."
"You mean you said more than feel him out?" Philippa innocently asks. "As for sounding like Anne, someone must fill the void left by our still in the honeymoon stages of love friend. If I ever get that syruppy sweet, lovely dovey around a man that others want to gouge out there eyes and puncture their ear drums and gag up everything they've eaten the past month, just kill me on the spot."
"Will do," Zabrynna laugh. "Now, seriously, do you want me to gage whether Indigo might like you enough to date you?"
Some Advice for Rylee
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 03-31-12 11:10
My classes had gone well this morning, but for now, I was looking over a few things before I started my first class tomorrow afternoon, and sitting my evening office hours. I had dinner plans in the village at seven tonight, so I'd have time to change and get ready once six o'clock rolled around and my office hours were at an end for the day. I was almost dreading the start of the new term at St. Emrys (which had officially begun nearly three days ago), but I also welcomed it more than dreaded it. I would have to get back into that routine again, and I was looking forward to it.
I also had plans this weekend with Orei and her husband Jim and her friends Christian and David (who were absolutely adorable together) to do some sight seeing in Scotland or maybe into Ireland, we hadn't fully decided yet. My mother had been calm for the past couple of weeks mainly because they were getting ready still for my cousin's wedding which was scheduled the first weekend in February, and unless I had something to tend to here at school, I would be leaving right after my last class at St. Emrys to head to the wedding.
I put my textbooks away, and flicked my gaze up at the sound of a light knock on the door. "Ah, Miss Marks, come in. How are you this evening Rylee?" I asked, motioning for her to settle herself down on the chair across from my desk.
She lingered in the doorway for a moment and I could almost see the internal debate on if she should come in or turn around and just walk away, ultimately she came in and sat down. "Hi. Um..do you have a minute to talk? I need some advice and you seem like the best person to come talk to." She said somewhat nervously - and it was odd seeing this confident and more often than not arrogant first year so nervous and almost out of her element.
"Sure Rylee, of course. Is everything alright?" I asked, moving to shut the door to my office, the sign hanging on the door to let anyone else know that I was currently with a student.
"Everything's fine. I guess. I..." She looked down at the Prada messenger bag in her lap and toyed with a thread that wasn't really loose at all. "I hear the whispers, the things people say about me, and I don't want to be known as that person. I'm not always like that…" She said softly, barely above a whisper, and had my office not been so quite I wouldn't have heard it.
"Alright, how do you think that you can change that? Are you involved in any clubs or anything like that?" I already knew the answer, and it was negative, and I knew her opinions on sports and things that involved getting dirty or sweaty; she was not for them.
"No. I didn't join any clubs because I didn't think I'd need them to try and fit in." she said with a light sigh and curled her legs beneath her in the comfortable chair, resting her chin in her hand.
"Well, I will say this for you, you came to the realization that being somewhat snobbish isn't the best way to live your life, easier than I did, and I was a lot older than you when I finally got enough money to spend it on fashion and sparkling things. I didn't grow up with money like you are." I said, offering her a light smile.
"Really?" she asked and I nodded, pushing up to move to sit on the edge of the desk.
"Really. Start with your roommates, chances are you will be living with them for the next few years and making friends with them, and letting them know that everything you do isn't about material things will go a long way. Also, flashy gifts are probably not the best way to go either except on special occasions, though they do tend to remind people that you are slightly more well off than they are and that sometimes hurts too." I said, sliding a hand through my hair.
"Okay, and I guess my little temper tantrums at the beginning of the year were probably not beneficial to my reputation as a stuck up snob…" she said, shifting lightly in the chair. "I probably shouldn't have demanded to try and get access to the village earlier than third year, but I still don't understand why the workshops are necessary, I mean, it isn't like we have to fly a broom to go everywhere, only Quidditch players use brooms from what I know."
"Either way, it is still required curriculum here at Hogwarts. Every first year had to take it same as you, even some of those celebrities you like, if they went here or to some other Wizarding school they more than likely had to take flying lessons at their school. It is something practical to know, and you never know when you will actually need it." I said with a light smile, laying a hand on her shoulder.
"Thanks Professor Davyd," she said with a brilliant smile. "I should probably go before I miss dinner."
With that, she headed out of the office and I still had about thirty minutes left of my office hours this evening. Once that was done, I headed back to my quarters and got ready for my dinner date tonight with Orei and her friends and made a note to check on Rylee in a week or so.
Izzy's Belly
Author: Georgia Copperpot
Date: 03-31-12 12:56
Although neither Isabella nor Edith nor I had gotten up close and personal with not really a real bovine bicorn in Care of Magical Creatures, we still came away smelling like we'd been rolling in wet hay. Rather than going straight to the Great Hall after returning to the castle from class, we'd decided to shower and change. In our room, as she's toweling off her hair, Edith asks, "Do you think Catherine's been waiting for us in the Great Hall all this time?"
Izzy Bella shakes her own wet head. "She'd said something about getting some work done in the library and to get her when we were going to eat."
Standing at a mirror between Catherine's and my beds I comb fingers through it trying to decide if I want to go for a new look. Something chic like those chic people who live in tres vair chic Froggie-a-gogo Land. Or do I want hip like those happening hipsters in Hamburger-a-gogo Land? Or something romantic like a heroine from a play by that old timey Muggle bard Billy Shakespeare? If I did that, should I go romantically tragic or romantically comedic?
Turning from the mirror, I do believe that with how things are between my sex god boyfriend Sage Porter and me at the moment, romantically tragic would be the order of the day. But, perhaps I should think on that anon. After supper. Thinking always goes much better anon when one has had afters of chocolate cake and chocolate pie.
Oh. That reminds me. I've got some scrumptious chocolate bon bons. If I get them now, Izzy whizzy and Edith will want one. Dare I share these luscious confections with two known chocoholics?
I daren't.
Daren't sounds a lot like Darren. Do I know any Darrens? Are they sex goddish?
Something else to ponder.
I swear on Libby's Merlin statue doll Sandra that sometimes my brain is just too darn full of important tidbits in need of pondering.
"Georgia, are you coming or not?"
"Yes, but only because there might be cake. And pie. Do you think we could entice the kitchen elves to do a sweets themed meal one day, where everything from soup to afters is sugary?"
Edith laughs, "If you keep eating nothing but sweets, your sex god boyfriend "
"Sage Porter"
"might think twice about being seen with someone who does nothing but sit around eating sweets all day."
Izzy plucks at my sleeve. "Sweets or no, let's go get Catherine then go eat. I am famished and do not want to pass out from hunger and have to rely on you to get me help."
"Yes, let's go because the sweets await. I shall work out extra."
"Extra times the zero you do now is still zero."
"You are vair unattractive when you snort like that."
"Come on, Georgia. Isabella is only going to get more grumpy the longer she goes without hanging on the feedbag."
"Much like our not really bovine friend Bicorn," I note. "Best lock up all the happily married men to keep them safe from Izzy's belly. Ow!"
"I shall knock you upside the head again if you don't get moving," Izzy and her belly threaten.
"Fine. Just keep those cloven hooves to yourself as they pack a mean wallop."
Translations:
tres = very
vair = very
Froggie-a-gogo Land = France
Hamburger-a-gogo Land = United States of America
sex god boyfriend = I am not going over this one again with you. Seriously, pay attention
anon = old timey speak by the likes of Muggle bard Billy Shakespeare to mean many things such as a little later, presently, soon, forthwith, immediately. They were confusing those old timey bards with their words that mean many different things, no? Think more on it anon.
Much Needed Adult Time
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 03-31-12 19:45
This week had been hectic enough, and it was only a few days in. Between my classes, Jim's classes and Meagan becoming a bit more independent at just over six months of age, I caught a few hours of sleep when I could get them. Karma was coming over tonight, as well as Christian and David. We were having a small get together, and going to be relaxing and enjoying the fact that none of us had anything to do tomorrow - Christian was going on holiday, I didn't have classes, Jim only had a lab and a short shift to work in the afternoon. Karma had classes to teach and then her only class was canceled because the prof had come down with the flu and was out until next Thursday at the earliest.
Meagan was going to be at my Mum's tonight and for tomorrow to allow Jim and I to have some time together now that the term has started again and we were going to be busy. Karma wouldn't be over until seven, Christian and Daniel would be over around six thirty to deliver a gift for Meagan before she went over to my parents.
"We're here!" Christian's voice came from the living room as he and Daniel came through the floo. "Where is that adorable little girl?" He said, and laughed plucking Meagan up from her playpen, cooing adorably at her. "Uncle Christian and Uncle Daniel got you another gift."
He offered the giggling six month old little girl a fuzzy, brilliant purple pygmy puff.
"Christian, really? A pygmy puff? Already? Couldn't wait until her first birthday?" I shook my head. "I will explain to my mother why my daughter is now bringing a pygmy puff with her tonight."
"Oh, your mom is coming over, fantastic!" Christian said with a grin. "Your mom likes me."
I stuck my tongue out at him and shook my head. "You are going to spoil my daughter." I took Meagan from him and set the pygmy puff on the table still in its little gilded cage. "Going to is rather late in that regard, you are spoiling my daughter." I said and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Really Christian, you need to lay off just a little bit."
I greeted Daniel and he went to go talk to Jim and see if anything else needed to be done before dinner. "Is Karma on her way?" Christian asked, and I nodded.
"Yeah. She had office hours until six, and said she would be here around seven." I said, looking up as a figure came out of the fire place.
"Hi Mom. Glad you and dad are in the country for the week. When are you guys heading back to Japan?" I asked as we talked for a few minutes, and then after giving her Meagan's overnight bag and Jim and I both saying good bye to our daughter for the night.
Just as Mom and Meagan floo'd back to her house, there was a knock on the door and Christian let Karma in. "Right, everyone's here. Time for dinner and some adult time." He said with a bright smile as he accepted the bottle of wine Karma had brought.
Delayed Meeting In Muggle London
Author: Dante Knight
Date: 03-31-12 22:14
The Friday night meeting had not happened. Dante received word from his brother that morning that their father had come down with a stomach bug and needed to postpone. Even though he'd not even decided for sure about going, Dante had mixed feelings about the cancellation, both fine with the delay as he was in no rush to have decide on having the same old argument as always and wanting to just get the face to face over and done.
He'd gotten another owl yesterday afternoon asking to meet Wednesday night. Still torn, he'd ended up agreeing. The place is a London hotel that is neither upscale nor shabby. Approaching the third floor door number he'd been given, Dante stands for a few seconds, hand poised to knock, mentally bracing himself for a conversation that never seems to get any easier, no matter how many times his family and he have had it.
Knuckles rap lightly once then again. The door opens quickly enough he suspects his brother was standing on the other side, possibly peering on watch through the peephole, waiting for him to make his arrival known. There is no greeting, just a moving aside and a sweeping of the arm to usher Dante in.
A wave of familiar perfume envelops him as surely as the arms that suddenly wrap around him. He hugs his mother's thinner than he remembers frame as she murmurs in his ear, "So good to see you, my poppet."
"Hello, Mum. You're looking good."
"Finally found an exercise routine I don't mind. Well, take your coat off so I can have a better look at you."
He complies, but more because the room is on the stuffy side than because he really wants to do a slow spin while his mum twirls a finger at him, closely looking him over. After completing the second full revolution Rocky snickers, "You'd make a lovely ballerina, Tag."
Their mother gives her eldest child a meaningful stare. "You're just envious that your brother is in better shape than you are."
"I can't help that Angel is an excellent cook," Rocky grins, patting his stomach.
Dante's about to ask where Angel is as he'd like to finally meet his sister-in-law when the door to an adjacent room opens. His father steps through the opening asking, "Why didn't someone tell me he's was here? Son."
"Dad."
A moment's hesitation on both their parts then steps towards each other, hands outstretched to shake, followed by a brief, somewhat awkward, somewhat uncomfortable hug.
The room is one of those family suites with a sitting area, the couches probably of the sort that convert to beds. Dante's mum points, "Let's sit, shall we?"
"Where's "
Before Dante has more than the one word out, his brother answers, "Same thing Dad had, well Mum and me too turned out. Both thought it best to stay clear of you."
"Wouldn't have to steer clear if you were with us where you belong," Dad grumbles.
So it begins.
"I belong where I'm happy and can live the life that I want."
"You were always fed, had nice clothes, got to see the world."
"I can still see the world, Dad, just at a slower pace."
"Someone else's schedule."
"Not your schedule, you mean."
Mum pats Dante on the leg. "Let's not argue."
"What else did you think was going to happen, Mum?"
A faint smile, a tiny shrug. "I, that is we, were hoping you'd have begun to realize you belong with us."
"I was miserable, Mum. Never having any real friends, being in constant fear of forgetting who I was on any given day and who all of you were, hating the lies. It could be fun playing make believe as a kid but when that's the way of life every single second of the day, it becomes a wearisome chore."
Dad grunts, "You live a lie now."
"Don't you dare make it out as me being a hypocrite, Dad."
"Aren't you?"
"It's not the same and you know it."
Mum soothes, "Poppet, we miss you. We love you. It's only natural we want you back with us."
"I love you too, Mum, and I do miss seeing you regularly, but I don't miss the life and the lies."
"Without the life and the lies, your brother and sister would have been raised by relatives who didn't want them or, worse, by strangers, and you would never have been born," Dad patronizingly reminds.
"You really think that makes living your lifestyle any easier?"
"I would think it would make you grateful."
"I am grateful to be alive, Dad, but that doesn't mean I have to like or embrace the way of life you and Mum chose. I'm like going months on end calling the same place home. I like this job I have now. I'm happy. I thought parents are supposed to want their children to be happy."
Mum picks up his hand, stroking the back of it, "We do want you to be happy, poppet, but we want you to be happy with us like your brother and sister are."
Rocky, who'd gotten up to pour himself a drink, holds up a glass to Dante, mutely asking if he'd like something as well while saying, "I know you've explained it many times, Tag, but I never understood why you'd prefer a dull, boring, staid existance over what we've got."
"What exactly have you got? You live out of suitcases. You don't have any real friends. You are constantly having to change identities, learn new backgrounds, keep all those lies straight."
Rocky smirks, "Magical trunks hold a heck of a lot of stuff."
"But we are your family, sweetie, and family is all that really matters."
"If you really believed that, Mum, then I would have gotten to meet my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins."
Dad rolls his eyes. "None of them much worth knowing."
"But they're family, Dad."
"My parents were never half as supportive of me as your mother and I have been to you three."
And on it went. Nothing new. Nothing unexpected. When Dante finally leaves, he wishes he had finally found a way to get them to understand how utterly miserable he'd been living that life they want him to return to. That they each think he's just being stubborn and difficult and exaggerating how unhappy he was also has not changed.
From the hotel Dante hails a cab to take him near The Leaky Cauldron. Apparating from Diagon Alley back to Hogsmeade is easier than looking for a safe spot to disapparate from in Muggle London. The face to face was draining, making the walk from the gates near where he'd apparated to the castle seem three times as long. Maybe tomorrow he'll actually skip his morning run.