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That's What Best Friends Are For
Author: Araxie Loren
Date: 04-23-12 18:19
"I need some serious down time after that visit yesterday." I said as I sprawled out on my friend Nichole's bed. She was a year younger than me, but we'd pretty much been inseparable since we were little and I moved into my Aunt and Uncle's house next door to hers. If I wasn't at home or forced to sit in the visitation room with my father in Azkaban I was usually found in Nichole's house sprawled on her bed or playing games in her basement with her and her brothers.
"Another visit to dear daddy?" Nichole asked handing me one of the cauldron cakes that she'd brought up along with a bottle of butterbeer and then plopped down on the bed next to me.
"You know it, and hopefully this time it will be the last. If anything I will be getting my letter to Hogwarts – since they flat out refused to even consider sending me to some school in another country for my education. I swear I am going to pull my hair out if I hear the 'Hogwarts is the best possible choice' line one more time from anyone." I said as I took a drink of the butterbeer and heaved a sigh.
"It really isn't that bad. I mean my cousins go to Durmstrang and seriously wish that they were given a chance to go to Hogwarts. Everything is so strict there. Though, from what my cousin Claudette has said the boys are very hot, I mean it is where Viktor Krum came from isn't it?" She said with a smirk, knowing well my great interest in hottie Quidditch players and Krum is definitely high up on the list.
"True, and from what I've heard he teaches at Hogwarts now, so that might be a bit of a plus in going there." I said with a laugh dodging the pillow that Nichole decided to throw at me, and thankfully it didn't land on my cauldron cake smashing it to bits – that would have been a sad event for my poor little baked snack, and not at all the ending that was befitting it – chewed and swallowed as opposed to an untimely end squashed beneath a pillow with a frilly purple boarder.
We fell into discussing some hottie Quidditch players and ranked our favorites and then compared lists as we often did, some of the names that constantly occur on both lists are Viktor Krum, Tobias Beck, Wiggersmythe Hodfuffer who was amazing simply because he played pro while still finishing his schooling at Hogwarts and was really kinda cute. I flicked my gaze to the clock on Nichole's wall and sighed.
"I should probably head home, though I know I am probably going to be bored out of my mind since it is Valentine's Day and Aunt Charline and Uncle Matthew are doing the whole romantic couple thing." I said gagging slightly at the thought of my Aunt and Uncle doing anything remotely romantic or otherwise not the subject of a PG-13 movie.
"OH! I forgot to tell you, when I was downstairs, mum said that your aunt came by and left a bag for you. You are spending the night, and since I don't meet with my tutor tomorrow and you have nothing scheduled lesson wise we are free to stay up as late as we want." Nichole said with a mischievous grin and before we could plot and plan any more her mum called us down for lunch.
Passion
Author: Marzipan
Date: 04-23-12 18:21
The air was thick with the sweet scent of roses and other flowers in the greenhouse where Marzi held her fourth year Gryffindor and Hufflepuff class. Bouquets were mixed in among the other plants, and besides roses included carnations, tulips, lilies, daisies and more. There were even some Candy Heart Plants scattered about. Marzi had one on her desk in the corner and had been nibbling from it all morning.
The fourth years were in the middle of pruning Merlin's Beard, a type of magical vine that grew long and thick. Its leaves and stems were a greyish-green color, which helped give it the effect of a wizard's long beard.
While her students worked, Marzi walked around the work table and gave assistance or commentary where necessary. For the most part, the fourth years made easy work of their assignment. They pruned their plants for a few more minutes and then helped Marzi clear the table.
In her double classes, she always covered more than one topic. The second topic of the day was more Valentine's Day-like in nature.
She summoned a bin of sunglasses from her desk and asked everyone to put on a pair. "And leave them on," she said, as she donned her own pair. "Only take them off when I've cleared you to do so, understand?"
Everybody nodded or said "Yes, Professor."
"Good. Now, we're going to talk about passion flower." She produced a lovely looking plant that was in bloom and smelled like the sweetest of perfumes.
"There are Muggle varieties of this plant. Quite a lot of them, actually. But there is only one wizarding variety. This is it," she said. "Now who can tell me what makes this plant wizarding?"
Kate Dewhurst raised her hand. "If one looks at the wizarding plant without protective eyewear, then that person will fall susceptible to the plant's powers."
"Which are?"
"It causes the person who looks upon it to feel passionately about someone, or perhaps something."
"That's exactly right. 5 points to Hufflepuff," Marzi said. "The effect is temporary, of course, but how long it lasts depends on how long the person looked at the plant as well as the plant's maturity."
The rest of the class passed without incident. Everyone kept their sunglasses on as instructed, resulting in a lack of impromptu makeout sessions between student and student or student and thing.
Coin Toss
Author: Travis
Date: 04-24-12 14:34
Feverishly working on another Valentine's Day flower arrangement, the shopping at the last minute customer having the gall to impatiently tap his foot, Travis doesn't so much as glance up when a familiar pair of expensive black heels poke into her line of sight.
"What do you need, Mum?"
Morticia's feet take a step closer. "A less rude acknowledgement would be a nice start."
From the displeasure in her mother's tone, Travis knows it's accompanied by a frown, which Morticia will later bemoan as wrinkle inducing. Scowling herself when one rose will not go into the position she wants it, Travis ends up trimming the end and, still without taking eyes form her work, replies, "Really busy, Mum. What do you need?"
Annoyance in her tone now Morticia asks, "Do you have plans for this evening?"
Travis takes a step back from the arrangement to give it a critical eye. Satisfied, she gives the difficult, impatient customer a smile, giving him the arrangement. "Thank you. I hope she loves it!"
Travis starts work on another arrangement for a customer who's looking around the shoppe while waiting before asking Morticia, "Why?"
"Pardon?"
"Why do you want to know if I have plans this evening?"
"Because it's Valentine's Day."
"In other words, you want to know if I have a date on a day with romantic significance."
"You are not getting any younger, darling, and despite my introducing you to some very nice men, you've made no inroads on achieving matrimonial bliss. Are you seeing that young man Dev you brought to the New Year's Eve party?"
Travis stops working, flowers clutched in both hands, which she waggles emphatically as she speaks. "Really busy, Mum. Swamped. Standing orders and last minute customers all to take care of before close, which is later than usual this evening. If your sole purpose for showing up in person is to harass me about whether I have a date tonight or not, and to ascertain if whatever meeting you've arranged between me and yet another nice man is going to be doable tonight, then you need to go. I will talk to you tomorrow or later in the week."
Vexed, Morticia debates which expression to wear now, worried maternal or wounded martyr.
"Fifi, dear, it's not easy finding suitable men who are not already attached. I put a great deal of time and energy into screening prospective husbands for you and Lisianthus, and prospective wives for Indigo. A little appreciation of my efforts would be so lovely to receive but time and again you three give me such disdainful attitudes and act as though you have no time to aknowledge how hard I work to ensure you each find lasting happiness."
Wounded martyr it is.
"Mum, you know we all appreciate you, but none of us need you meddling in our love lives."
"I do not meddle. I see a need and attempt a resolution. Why in Merlin's name are you putting black flowers in that arrangement?"
"It's what the customer ordered. Pink and black were his wives and his wedding colors."
"I see. Interesting choice." Her tone indicates she thinks otherwise.
"One of your favorite outfits is pink and black, Mother."
"An outfit, yes. One outfit is not an entire color scheme for a major life event. I would, however, be tolerant of it if you were getting married and insisted on such a color scheme."
"If I chose something for my wedding that you found distasteful, you would NOT be tolerant."
"Yes, well we shall never find out if you do not have a wedding and pick a color scheme, will we? Do you know that all but one of my friends have grandchildren and that's only because she never had any children of her own?"
"You greatly dislike being referred to as Mum even if private. Why do you suddenly wish to be called Grandmum or Gran?"
"Wherever did you get the idea I don't like being called Mum?"
"From all your years of you trying to get us to call you Morticia."
"I believe you are diremembering, though speaking of names, you really should not point fingers when you shun your given name, Fifi."
"Because you named me after your favorite dog."
"Fifi is a perfectly lovely, French sounding name. Perhaps you would have preferred the alternate choices."
"Which were?"
"Catalpa and Taffeta."
Travis stops working again to gawk at her mother. "Your name choices for me were after a dog, a tree, and type of fabric? Were these all yours or did Dad have a say?"
"Your father wanted to name you either after a famous distant relative or his favorite aunt."
"So I could have been Rowena or Madelina? Both perfectly nice names, I might add. How then, am I named after one of your choices? Did you threaten to withhold sex?"
"Don't be silly. It was a coin toss. I won."
"A coin toss. Of course, what was I thinking?" Travis finishes the arrangement with a bow from the ribbon her customer had picked out. Picking it up to take to the register she kisses Morticia on the cheek. "Really need to give my full attention to work now, so I will see you tomorrow, Mum."
Knowing that Travis is going to continue being her usual difficult self, Morticia refrains from saying more. She simply refastens her coat and walks from Botanicals & Beyond to McFusty's Pets. She can find out what Indigo's plans are and feel him out on what he knows of either or both of his sister's plans for this evening.
Of Roses and Chocolates
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 04-24-12 18:27
Valentine's day was not without its obstacles between rising early and getting to spend some quality adult time with her husband in a romantic interlude before returning to the daily grind on the day after since this couple's day (or anti-couple's day if you are single) fell on a weekday. Routine began at six thirty when Jim got up and got ready for work, letting Orei know that she had about thirty to forty-five more minutes before Meagan will be up and she will have to start getting ready for her day.
First class wasn't until nine, so she had time to ensure that Meagan was bathed, changed, and everything was ready for daycare. She was loving daycare and having so much fun playing with the staff at Blossom's. Meagan had been dropped off no later than eight and notice that it would be Jim's parents that picked her up later that day, before Orei headed to St. Emry's because she needed to do a touch more research and finish up the final paragraph or two on an essay due in her second class.
Finally the day came to a close at St. Emry's and Orei headed home for a languid soak in the tub before spending some quality time relaxing and waiting for Jim to get home. She'd ultimately ended up taking a nap, and was woken up by a knock on the door.
"Hello?"
"Delivery for Oreileah," said the male on the other side of the door.
Orei tugged the door open and offered the delivery man a bright smile as he handed her a clipboard to sign for the delivery of a large bouquet of roses and a seeming gigantic heart shaped box of chocolates.
"Thank you. Have a fantastic day," she shut the door and quickly tended to the roses and slipped the chocolates into the fridge after shrinking it to a manageable size. That said and done, she flicked her gaze to the clock before heading into the bedroom and quickly tending to her hair and make-up knowing that Jim would be home soon.
Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Author: Illyria
Date: 04-24-12 18:44
Illyria typically held her office hours in her classroom rather than her office because she often found it useful having the enchanted ceiling at hand whenever she answered questions posed by her students. She felt it did better to properly demonstrate an astronomical concept or present the position of the stars and planets, than to simply discuss them without any visual aid.
Not a single student had stopped by all afternoon. Illyria knew why. Today was Valentine's Day, and if a student wasn't in another class, then he or she was no doubt enjoying the romantic holiday.
Normally, Illyria didn't mind Valentine's Day. She was usually single for the holiday, and while that tended to get other witches down, it had never bothered Illyria until today.
Today, all she could think about was Nathan. What nice thing had he done for Urania today? Had he gotten her flowers? Jewelry? Would he take her out for a nice dinner tonight?
Illyria didn't like feeling jealous of her sister, and she didn't like how heartbroken she felt. She knew she ought to be happy for Urania, who was the happiest she'd been since the days of Caden Eastwick. Illyria wanted Urania to finally have her happy ending, especially with there being a baby on the way.
If only she could move on as easily as flipping a switch. Instead of gradually forgetting about Nathan, it became increasingly difficult to get over him.
She sighed deeply and rested her head in her hands, then jumped at the light tapping at her door. Roland stood in the doorway, holding a simple vase with an assortment of pink, purple and white tulips.
"Roland?" Illyria asked, rising to her feet. "What are you doing here?"
She hadn't seen or heard from him since Career Day.
"I hope you don't mind that I stopped by, and with flowers at that," Roland replied, stepping into the room. He set the vase on Illyria's desk.
"I don't mind at all," Illyria said. "Thank you. I have to say I wasn't expecting flowers from you, Roland, or anybody else for that matter," she added as an afterthought.
Roland gave her a sad smile. "I find it hard to believe that there's nobody out there who wants to give you flowers on Valentine's Day––besides me, that is."
"Why did you want to give me flowers? You do remember we broke up a long time ago?"
Roland chuckled. "No worries, Illyria. I'm not trying to win you back. I think we're best as friends." He shrugged then. "I don't know what it was. I just thought of you today and thought it might be nice to treat you to flowers. Valentine's Day isn't just about romantic love. At least that's what I think."
"I haven't seen you this sweet in what feels like an age," Illyria said. She moved in to hug him. "Thank you, Roland. I think you just made my day."
"You're welcome, Illyria." He patted her back and then let her go. "I don't want to keep you, so I'll––"
But just then, there was another tap at Illyria's classroom door. Roland turned around and Illyria peered around him to see the feet of what could only be a house-elf. The rest of the creature was obscured by a massive bouquet of two dozen red roses in a crystal cut vase.
"Bluebell be bringing flowers for Professor Jones," the house-elf squeaked.
Illyria moved forward to help the elf, but Roland was faster. He plucked the vase from the house-elf's arms and added it to Illyria's desk.
"Thank you," Illyria told the elf, who gave a slight curtsy and then disappeared in the hallway.
"I knew somebody else would get you flowers," Roland said with a grin. "Who are they from?" he asked, and he plucked a small card from within the bouquet.
Illyria didn't want to believe it, but she knew it even before Roland asked, "Who's N?"
"N?" she asked, taking the card from him. An N was the only thing on it. Her heart began thudding in her chest.
"A secret admirer, eh?" Roland grinned from ear to ear. "Any ideas or you have one and just don't want to tell me?"
Illyria shook her head. "I'm not sure," she lied, "but they are pretty, aren't they?"
"Yeah, they totally overshadow mine."
Illyria gave him a light punch in the arm. "Stop it. Yours are perfectly lovely. You know I love tulips, more than I do roses."
"I know, but this guy obviously doesn't. Or is N a witch? Hmm. Norma? Natalie?"
Illyria punched him again. "You better go."
"Okay, okay. I'll leave you alone with your flower bouquets." He held up his hands and started to back away from her.
Illyria smiled at him. "Thanks again, Roland. You really did make my day."
"Anytime, Illyria. Anytime."
A Break From Lessons - Mockridge Dower
Author: Valeria Mockridge
Date: 04-24-12 19:33
Valeria sat in what had once been the nursery, back when the term was used for the room where a child would spend most of his or her time. Her grandmother still treated it as such, but Valeria hated it. Merope, her new kitten, twined about her feet, bringing a smile to the girl's face. She'd had to choose from the names her grandmother would find acceptable, even for such a perfectly Slytherin kitten. His fur was light silvery-gray and his eyes a fascinating green color. Both Valeria and Nephele were already quite fond of him.
"Valeria, have you started to read through any of your new texts besides your potions book?"
"Yes, Aunt Nephele, I glanced through my History of Magic text, though Ms. Bagshot nearly put me to sleep before tea yesterday," the younger girl answered.
"Well, sleeping through History of Magic's something of a Hogwarts tradition, though a Slytherin never gets caught. Leave that for the Gryffindors who snore," her aunt answered with a wink.
"The potions book is brilliant though, I can't wait to try some of the new ones."
"Well, it so happens that I am in need of some of the potions in the first year curriculum, so you may assist me with them after dinner, if you wish."
"Really?"
"Yes. After all, you won't be waving a wand for that, so the Ministry can hardly complain."
Valeria bounced to her feet and hugged the other witch. "Grandmother won't object, will she?"
"I don't believe so. This will give you a head start for next term, and that's never a bad thing to have. I would like you to read through your other books, just to familiarize yourself a bit. Hogwarts, A History can't hurt either, it will help you prepare for your life at school."
"Alright, Aunt Nephele, I'll read them," the girl promised.
"Good. Has Merope been behaving?"
"Yes, Aunt. She's adjusted quite well to her new spot, and even tolerates her traveling cage, so we'll keep her used to it and she should be ready when school starts."
Nephele nodded. She thought her niece might need the cat more than an owl. After all, one could always use the school owls, but a kitten would be more affectionate for her orphaned charge. With a sigh, she thought of her brother, so charming and easy-going, yet so firm in his belief that he had to support the family and that he and his wife should be supporting He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. As if losing their father during the First War hadn't been enough, they'd lost both of Valeria's parents in this one. It was enough to make her question the family's policy. But that in itself was dangerous, particularly in Cloris Mockridge's house.
So instead, Aunt and Niece shared a bond that they kept hidden. Nephele showered Valeria with all of the love she had to give, as did Kirley, and all three protected each other from Cloris and her iron-will and firm beliefs in how a PureBlood should behave, particularly a Mockridge.
Newspaper Photo
Author: Dante Knight
Date: 04-24-12 19:41
With no Tuesday classes, Dante gave out Valentine's sweets yesterday to his students. Today he's graded assignments, written out some exams, worked on lesson plans, and munched on his own Valentine's sweets, some of which are leftovers from what he handed out and some given to him by students. As it's nearly time to call it quits for the day, he finishes his line of thought in a note he's writing in the margin of Isabella Hastings's essay then tidies up his desk. In the process he spots The Daily Prophet still folded from when it arrived this morning. Dante had meant to read it over lunch but went for a run instead, taking a sandwich at here at his desk later while working on lesson plans.
Tucking it under an arm, he finishes putting things away then locks up. Though not having a date to the Hogwarts Valentine's Banquet, Dante wants to change into clothing better suited for a special occasion and freshen up a little as he's sure whomever he sits next to would appreciate it if he's brushed his teeth since lunch. At the top of the stairs nearest his fourth floor office, he opens the paper, planning to scan it as he walks the rest of the way to his sixth floor flat. A photo with short article on the lower right of the front page has him stopping.
IS THIS LORRAINE VICKERS?
Has an amateur photographer taking candid photos Monday in York spotted Lorraine Vickers? Vickers is wanted for questioning in the
"Sorry, Professor Knight!" Alan Birdwell hastily apologizes after bumping into Dante.
Folding the paper back up, Dante bends to help Alan pick up some books. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, and sorry again. I wasn't paying close attention and didn't notice you weren't moving."
"I shouldn't have stopped in the middle of a walkway to read something. You have a lot of poetry books."
Alan colors slightly. "I'm trying to find something great to write to go with some flowers."
Dante reaches for one of the books, tapping it. "If you get stuck, this Muggle poet Emily Barrett Browning has some nice ones that most girls love."
"Time is running out so I'll look in it first when I get to my room, thanks."
Alan's books stacked in his arms again, he hurries off to Gryffindor House. Dante continues to his flat, waiting until he's there to finish reading the article and to get a magnifying glass to study the photograph. After ten minutes of not being able to tell much from the grainy photo of a woman nearly out of focus, Dante forces himself to get up from his small dining table. Having promised to be at the banquet and for the dancing afterwards so that those with a spouse or significant other might go out for Valentine's if desired, he needs to get changed and go on to the Great Hall. Besides, even if that is her in the picture, he has no way of making contact to find out if the family has seen today's Daily Prophet.
Less than fifteen minutes later Dante is freshly shaved, has brushed his teeth, combed his hair, and changed into dressier clothes than he would normally wear to supper. On his way out he glances to the newspaper on the table and hopes that whether that's her or not, someone will contact him within a day or two.