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Sibling Time
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 08-18-12 17:14
"Seriously, did you stress this much when you had to take yours?"
"Yeah, though I think I was a bit worse because I always stress when these major tests roll around. Thankfully I don't have anything major to take at St. Emry's right now. Though, in all honesty, I think I was more nervous proposing to Ariella than I was taking my OWLs or my NEWTs."
Maggie laughed and shook her head and handed him the still warm mug of cocoa she'd brought out to his office.
"Something tells me that proposing to Ariella was like the easiest thing you had to do. But, the month is nearly over and that means I've got less and less time to actually be prepared for these major exams, and not to mention taking the apparation testing this Saturday."
"You'll be fine Mags, don't worry about it. Besides, you still have the last Hogsmeade trip to destress during and make sure you get enough sweets to last you through the stress of the exams."
"Yeah, then I will be a member of the real world once I'm done here. I've already gotten acceptance letters from St. Emrys and a couple of unis in Sydney, but I don't think I want to go back to Sydney right now, if at all."
"Well, I would recommend St. Emrys, we've already given you some advice and now it is going to be up to you to figure out what you are going to want to do."
I pushed up from my desk and gave her a light hug. "Seriously, you'll be fine Mags. Besides, you'll be happy to be done with school and honestly I don't want you going back to Sydney either. I'm seriously considering giving you your graduation gift early, but I know Ariella would probably kill me if I gave you the surprise early."
"You are probably right. Also, I've still got to figure out who I am taking with me to the concert this summer and things of that nature. Also, I plan on spending an entire day rocking at Emry's Fest, and there is some travel that I want to do before I start back to school. You will let me right?"
I laughed and shook my head. "That trust is to use however you want when you are done with school and you'll be fine. Travel, trust me I've been hit enough by the travel bug, I think Areilla will be glad to know that we are spending the summer for the most part here in Britain instead of globe-trotting the world."
We talked all the way back to the Castle and to the Great Hall where I met up with Ariella at the head table for dinner, and she shared with me the news that there had been another body found on St. Emry's Campus, she didn't have any more information on it, but she figured there would be something in the papers tomorrow.
Lounging Solo
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 08-18-12 17:39
With only two classes today, I pretty much spent my entire day puttering around either the Gryffindor Common Room or lounging in the Common Common room listening to the WWN, everyone was speculating on if Britain would make it to the bracketed matches for the World Cup being held this summer. They've a game coming up this weekend and I'd probably catch the highlights of it on the WWN, they are playing Jamaica who has the home-pitch advantage for the game.
We didn't have OWLs to study for this year, but we still had finals and things to deal with and ultimately we were both looking forward to getting out of school for the break. My mum was preggers and ultimately would be giving birth during Christmas hols, which meant that she potentially would be going into labor while Blake and his family were staying with us for the week between Christmas and New Years.
At the moment, I was finishing up my part of the group assignment for History of Magic, and I still had to put the finishing touches on my Charms essay for Professor Fairchild that was due tomorrow, and there was also the assignment that I had to get done for DADA with Professor Black and that was due first thing tomorrow morning.
I hummed along with the song playing on the WWN above me, and I considered heading down to the Great Hall, but I knew it wasn't open yet, so I didn't bother and Blake was still working on something in the library that he needed to get done for one of our essays, probably for his part in the History of Magic group project.
He'd be here eventually and then we'd head down to dinner before spending some couple time together before calling it a night.
Last Minute Preparations
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 08-18-12 20:00
After saying goodbye to Dex when he'd picked her and Ember up from St. Emry's and dropped her off in the village they'd gotten a quick dinner at Imperial Crown & Cauldron, and then she'd headed back to the castle sans boyfriend. She had shopping to get done and a variety of other things that needed to be done to ensure that things were perfect for the weekend.
Her quarters had been scoured top to bottom and she'd even in a moment of girlish shopping gotten new bed sheets. There was the bottle of wine for dinner tomorrow, and everything ready for the meal she would be making tomorrow after she finished teaching her classes. She didn't have a class at St. Emrys because her evening class had been cancelled and that made this weekend all the more possible. Sliding a hand through her hair as she did the basic prep work tonight like chopping the veggies and making sure that she wasn't short on any of her spices and that she had some of her mothers gram masala which was a key for lots of things she would be making tomorrow.
She also had papers to grade and would have papers to grade this weekend, but if anything she could put those off until Monday and return the assignments on Wednesday instead. Either way, she was going to be certain to avoid any other reason for her behavior to be reported to her boss, as it was she was seriously curious as to who the student was that had gone to McGonagall concerning her potentially hung over state (and while she was actually hung over, that was beside the point) she wasn't putting anyone in danger being hung over and teaching in a classroom, it wasn't like she was teaching something like Charms or Transfiguration that had spells that could backfire.
"Wish I could find out who said something, and here is hoping that it doesn't mean that I'm going to end up getting sacked at the end of the term..." That would not be a happy thing and either way, she still had a lot to do and needed to get things done before she went to bed to get up and teach her classes tomorrow.
Tomorrow evening couldn't come fast enough, she was more than eager to spend time with Dexter and this time it would be an entire weekend, not that the week or so in Mumbai hadn't been heaven, this was something different.
Alright, after a third check of her quarters she quickly took a shower and headed to bed, tomorrow would be the start of a fantastic weekend.
Early in the Morning
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 08-19-12 08:46
Rowan woke up very early. Her curtains hadn't been drawn tightly shut last night, allowing the sun to shine right through the gap and onto her pillow. She tossed and turned for a little bit longer and then finally gave up and climbed out of bed.
The house was very quiet. The Finches were still asleep, though Cyrus would no doubt wake soon to get ready for work. Rowan guessed Willow was still sleeping too.
She crossed over to the window and opened the curtains wide. It looked liked a very nice morning. The sun was shining brightly and a few fluffy clouds speckled the otherwise perfectly blue sky.
Rowan pressed her hand against the glass. The sun had warmed it, but she doubted it was as warm outside as the window pane felt to her hand. The mornings and the evenings were still quite cool, even on days when it was comfortably warm.
She opened the window to get a feel for the actual temperature and to breathe in the crisp air. She could just make out the aroma of freshly baked bread coming from the bakery one street over. Maybe she could go out and get some breakfast for everyone.
She left the window cracked to air out her room and went to her wardrobe to find something to wear. She pulled on a pair of jeans and a thin, long-sleeved top. She pulled a thicker hoodie on to keep her from shivering outside and put on her socks and shoes. Finally, she grabbed the money pouch Elgiva had given her and slipped from her bedroom.
Half an hour later, she returned to the house with two sacks of freshly baked rolls and pretzels. After removing her hoodie, she set the breakfast table for four and set out jars of jam and jelly, cream cheese and butter.
Cyrus Finch walked into the breakfast room and sniffed appreciatively. His hair was still wet from his morning shower and he looked a bit sleep deprived, but he seemed to perk up at the sight of breakfast.
"Rowan, you're up early. Did you do all this?"
"I couldn't sleep," she said. "Do you like it?"
"Very much so. I love freshly baked bread in the morning. Is that a pretzel?"
Rowan nodded. "I got one for each of us."
"Fantastic! I'm sure the others will be getting up soon. It smells delicious!" He grabbed one of the pretzels and took a bite out of it, before setting it down on his plate. "I'll fix us some tea."
A short while later, Elgiva and Willow came downstairs, drawn by the breakfast awaiting them. Elgiva was showered and dressed, but Willow was still in her pajamas. She had an extreme case of bed head.
The family sat down together and ate, savoring every bite of the freshly baked bread Rowan had picked up from the bakery. Reluctantly, Cyrus eventually left for work and Willow went upstairs to get ready for her day. Mrs. Clearwater would be stopping by soon to tutor the girls. Rowan wondered if she would let them study outside. It was too nice a day to be cooped up indoors!
Just Another Day
Author: Rylee
Date: 08-19-12 12:36
This morning had been full of Transfiguration, then Potions, and then History of Magic where they worked on a group project that would ultimately be presented before the end of the term as well as had the typical lecture that would give us the information for exams and things of that nature, but for now I was currently sitting at lunch and pondering what I wanted to do for the weekend. I would have to see if any of my group members wanted to get together with me, Professor Davyd had paired me up with Hope Hyland, Amorica Wenlock, and I couldn't remember the other name of the person in our four person group, but it was another kid from Ravenclaw.
I finished my lunch: a bowl of chunky broccoli and cheddar soup paired with a ham and swiss cheese sandwich and a glass of pumpkin juice. I pushed up from the Slytherin table and headed toward the Dungeons, where I was probably going to grab something from room and then head probably to the library. I'd probably stop into the Great Hall to see if Amorica or Hope wanted to get together this weekend and work on our group project.
After checking with them, I wandered from the Great Hall and ultimately found myself in the library. I tucked myself into a quiet study area and started working on a few things that I needed to get done. I also needed to finally read the letter that I'd gotten from my Mother this morning at breakfast. I've no desire to actually read it because she'd probably be a lot less than happy with me after what was discussed at the beginning of Easter Holidays and the fact that I was changing and actually trying to grow up instead of remaining the selfish, self absorbed rich bitch that I'd been.
I would find a way to take Muggle Studies my third year, and I'd managed to get into the muggle studies club, and was actively participating in that until the end of the school year among other things. My parents wouldn't deny me the ability to go to the village in my third year, but there was always a chance that she'd put a wrench in my plans if they wanted to, but that wouldn't be wise.
Either way, I would delight in my time here at Hogwarts and I would not constantly be talked about as the stubborn rich kid who wanted to continue to bribe her way through each and everything she wanted to do.
Turning my attention to my studies, I started working on my potions essay, History of Magic would wait for now. I also had stuff that was due on Tuesday that I needed to get done, but I wasn't ready for that yet either.
False Rumors
Author: Liam Murray
Date: 08-19-12 14:01
"Hey, you're Liam Murray aren't you?"
Liam raised his head from his porridge and nodded. A first year Hufflepuff boy had approached the Gryffindor table and he presented himself as being Hubert McBadger. He pointed to his friends who were reunited a bit far away sending Hubert hopeful looks.
"You see, we were wondering if you could ask your ant for some autographs, for me and my friends. "
"My aunt?" Liam asked confused. His uncle Peter had never been married and he didn't really know very well the part of the family coming from her mother's side.
"Yes! Eunice Murray, the national team's seeker!"
So that has been the reason why everyone had been whispering whenever he passed since the day started. That explained the look of most people at the Gryffindor common room when he left it in order to have breakfast, before his Herbology class.
"She's not my aunt."
"But she's part of your family right?" young Hubert insisted.
"No, she's not. I'm not related whatsoever with Eunice Murray," and he put a spoon with porridge in his mouth, irritated. Hubert left disappointed while Cody and Jake, seated next to Liam laughed out loud.
"I told you it was going to work, " Cody told Jake.
Liam looked at him with a not so friendly face waiting for an explanation. Since Cody and Jake were still laughing he took his wand from his pocket and pointed it at them, a silence but effective threat. Finally Cody explained that last night when Liam was already in bed, they started a rumor about him being related with the British seeker, Eunice Murray. Apparently the rumor had already spread into the other houses as well, judging by the group of Hufflepuffs that had inquired Liam.
He left the Gryffindor table and went outside to the grounds, not waiting for Cody and Jake. Audrey joined him, telling him he should have jinxed Cody and Jake from what they did. Liam worked with her and Calliope at Herbology as they collected some sap from a plant named celandine.
Back to the castle for a Charms lesson, Liam was intercepted in a corridor by some Slytherins willing to pay him good money for some autographs. When he denied his relationship to Eunice they threatened him with curses, calling him a liar. Then it was the turn of a forth year Ravenclaw who offered himself to help Liam with his homework for the rest of the school year. He was almost getting late to class because of him.
Liam sat on his desk with a heavy sigh. He had the feeling this was going to be a long day.
(Azaelia) Panicked Student
Author: Isolde
Date: 08-19-12 15:20
"Miss Bramble, I need all of these books. Can you help me?"
The student, seventh year Matilda Flanders, presented Azaelia with a slip of parchment. On it were written about a dozen titles, all on the subject of Transfiguration.
"I know for a fact that some of these titles have waiting lists, but I believe the rest are available for check out right now," Azaelia stated after reviewing Matilda's book list.
Matilda appeared to hyperventilate. "But… but… I need ALL those books right now!"
Since becoming the librarian at Hogwarts, Azaelia had seen this type of behavior before. It typically occurred during the spring semester, though sometimes she observed it earlier. Fifth and seventh years primarily exhibited the behavior, which was almost always the result of the impending O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams.
Azaelia offered Matilda a sympathetic smile. "I don't think you'll have to wait very long for some of them."
Matilda didn't appear appeased. "I need to study, or I'll surely fail!" she exclaimed.
"But can you really study from twelve books all at once?" Azaelia gently asked. "It's probably better to work through them a few at a time, don't you think?"
Matilda opened and closed her mouth a few times and then squeaked out, "I guess so." She swallowed hard and said, "Miss Bramble, I have to go to Transfiguration in a few minutes. Will it take long to find me the books that are available?"
"I'll tell you what. I can have them pulled and set aside for you if you want to run to class."
Matilda silently debated whether or not she could live without the books in her immediate possession. She finally nodded and breathelessly answered, "Okay. I'll come back after class and before lunch. Thanks, Miss Bramble."
"You're welcome."
Matilda set off for the library exit, and Azaelia turned to the card catalog to look for the books Matilda had requested. The ones she knew were in the stacks she hunted down and set aside for the seventh year Hufflepuff as promised. She added Matilda's name to the waiting list for the others. Task accomplished, Azaelia then decided to do a pick up in the library. With the end of year exams fast approaching, many more books seemed to wind up on tables, in study carrells, or elsewhere than interfiled where they were much easier to locate.
Weekend with Dex Begins
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 08-20-12 15:38
She'd made a quick run to Magical Neep this afternoon between her two blocks of classes, and as she didn't have class at St. Emrys today, and didn't have office hours she was all set to head to her quarters and get things situated before she needed to meet Dex in the village around five-thirty.
She'd put her favorite red and gold sari on after finishing the simple meal she'd created for her and Dexter for tonight, bottle of wine chilling, and the food was currently being kept warm. There was naan, mulligatawny soup, and lamb shank vindaloo. She'd set most of it to simmering on low last night, but things were absolutely wonderful and her room smelled like home.
Slippers on and she would head from her quarters down to the village to meet with Dex. She stepped out of the gates and headed toward the village, a light smile curling her lips as she caught sight of him heading toward her.
"Hey you. How are you?"
She kissed him lightly and leaned into him, sighing gently as she rested her head against his chest, "Very much in need of this weekend. Between the death of a student and Mrs. Norris, and the body found on campus, I'm about done with dramatics at the moment. I never did find out which student went to Professor McGonagall, and I seriously cannot afford to lose this job."
Dex wrapped his arms around her and hugged her to him. "If nothing has happened yet, I don't think anything will. Besides, aren't you up for review toward the end of the year? If that's the case you've still got some time to be on your best behavior."
"True," she said after a few minutes and began walking him back toward her quarters. "I hope you are hungry and have no aversion to lamb or chicken, curry or Indian food."
"None at all and sounds absolutely tasty," he said with a grin.
"Oh, and there is also wine," she said with a grin, "And I've still got some of your hangover cure in case I need it at the end of the weekend."
Within a few minutes the pair of them were stepping into her quarters that smelled of richly spiced Indian food.
(Aleydis) Crowded Library
Author: Griet
Date: 08-20-12 17:49
Aleydis hadn't expected the library to be crowded on a Friday night, but it was. The O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams were less than a month away, and many of the fifth and seventh years had begun studying in earnest for them. Some of the students looked positively panicked. Others acted as if this were simply business as usual, while a handful appeared to have been coerced into visiting the library by their more studious friends.
Aleydis, one of the fifth years not-so-eagerly anticipating the O.W.L. exams, had difficulty finding an available table. All the study carrels were full. She considered staking out a private corner in the stacks and spreading out her books on the floor, but she wasn't sure Miss Bramble would tolerate such a thing. Then again, the librarian was eons younger than Professor McGonagall, who would no doubt have a negative opinion on the matter. Maybe Miss Bramble wouldn't care after all.
Aleydis decided to give the library one last look around, just in case a table had opened up since her last circuit. Almost immediately, she saw Cornelia sitting at one of the smaller tables. She was alone, but someone had taken the second chair that belonged opposite Cornelia's seat. Aleydis glanced around and saw a group of students crowded around another nearby table.
She decided to go over and see if Cornelia would at least let her put her stuff down. Maybe Aleydis could find a chair somewhere else in the library.
Cornelia looked up when she felt Aleydis approaching and whispered acrimoniously, "What?"
"Will you share?" Aleydis whispered back.
In answer, Cornelia spread her books all the way to the other side of the table. Then she ducked her head and resumed taking notes from her Potions textbook.
Aleydis stared at Cornelia's head for a long moment before turning away to continue her search for a place to study. It turned out that she didn't have to look far. Another small table had only one occupant, and the second chair was empty and still there. Aleydis took a deep breath and went over, not sure what to expect from the boy sitting at the table.
"Is that seat free?" Aleydis whispered.
The boy, Basil Wynbourne, looked up from an essay he appeared to be writing. His eyes registered surprise when he realized who was standing next to his chair. He nodded and gestured for her to have a seat.
Aleydis let out a sigh of relief and immediately sat down before somebody else could swoop in and steal the chair. She unpacked her book bag, deciding to start with Charms, which was the first exam she would be taking in June. When she had everything ready to go, she leaned forward and whispered, "Thanks!"
Hanging Out
Author: Arlington J Montgomery
Date: 08-20-12 19:03
Arley paced the apartment, he couldn't sit still today. Sebastian stepped over and placed a hand on his back, Arley instantly relaxed. "Sorry…I just need to clear my head, Seb."
"I know. You need a break from the kids?" Sebastian responded with a knowing smile. Since Fletcher and Fallon were busy being on the British National Quidditch team, he and Arley had been babysitting Crew and Mase.
"You know me too well." Arley smiled and gave Seb a quick kiss. "I was thinking about going to visit Desi after she gets off work. We rarely see each other or hang out like we did growin' up."
"Then you should pay her a visit. I'll be fine here with the boys."
"Thanks sweetie, I love you so much. Let me know if ya need anything alright?"
Sebastian nodded and hugged Arley tight. "I will, and I love you too."
Arley grabbed his well worn leather jacket and flooed to the Ministry of Magic. He then made his way to auror headquarters, and subsequently his friend Desdemona's desk.
"Well, look who I found!" He grinned at his friend and sat on the edge of her desk.
Desi looked up, as Arley walked in. "Hey, what are you doing here?"
"What are you doing t'night? I thought maybe we could hang out, like old times?"
"Sure. I didn't have plans for tonight." She looked over to check the time, "It's quitting time anyways." And then she stood up, "Just as long as I don't cook. I still burn water."
"Cool! I just need to get out of the house for awhile. And before you ask, Seb and I are fine, nearly perfect actually." He couldn't help the smile that spread across his lips as he thought about Sebastian. "We're havin' to watch my nephews since Etch and Fal are busy playing on the National team." He sighed a little, "You know I love those boys, but they're a handful, especially Crew. Seb told me to get out of the house for some stress relief."
"Crew does seem rather hyper. So! Let's blow this popsicle stand!" Desi stood from her desk.
"Alright! Where do you want to go anyways? I'm hungry." Arley smiled, he was always hungry, just like he was as a teenager.
"I don't know. Your idea to hang out, so as long as I don't have to cook, we're good."
Arley grinned "So going to Driver's bar is out? I'm just kidding. Oh, remember that old place we used to go in Seattle? Best pizza and beer ever."
"I remember that place in Seattle, but it's still morning there. We can go to Driver's if you want."
"Good point, let's go there then. Besides, I like the fact that it's mostly a muggle bar." He grinned "I have you for protection if anyone tries to mess with us too!" He playfully punched her shoulder.
Desi laughed, "I take it you heard what happened the last time I went there?"
"Yeah I did! That was pretty 'kick ass' as Driver told me."
She laughed again "I only hit him three times…"
Arley grinned and headed to the bar with her, "Really? Nice shots then Des. Now let's go get food and some drinks." He grabbed her arm and headed off to Driver's bar.
"Ok, it was three shots before I threw him through a table, but he had it coming!"
"Well I agree. Now don't get all riled up! I don't want to get thrown through a table." He playfully stuck his tongue out at her as they walked into the bar.
The bar was very crowded as it always was on weekend nights, there weren't many open tables. The duo made their way further inside when Driver spotted them. "Hey Arley!" His smile grew when he saw Desi. "Hey Desi! What brings you here tonight?"
Arley smiled and shook his brother-in-law's hand. "Just needed some time away from home."
Driver nodded in understanding "You two, right this way." He sat them at a brand new table near the bar, the very one he rebuilt that Desi had broken. "Let me know what I can get you." He then returned to the bar to tend to other customers.
"I bet this is the new table he had to build because of you. Arley and Desi both examined the table.
"Oh I bet it is!" Des replied.
Arley nodded in agreement. "Really nice craftsmanship too. Speaking of craftsmanship...what do you think of Driver anyways? He is cute!" Arley grinned at his friend.
"He's not bad to look at…" her voice trailed off, and Arley thought he saw her glance over at the handsome bartender in question.
Arley nodded, he didn't want to push her any further for answers, so they ordered a round of drinks to reflect on the past.
Hanging with Arley
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 08-20-12 21:44
Arley and I had been at the bar for a couple of hours. He and I had mostly been catching up, and he had also been going on about his nephews, whom he'd been taking care of while Fal and Etch were away. Driver had been checking on us frequently, but the Friday night crowd had kept him too busy to really sit and talk with us.
"You know Arley, I still find it weird." I said suddenly.
"What?"
"Talking to you about guys, I remember growing up how many skirts you used to chase!" I said starting to laugh, "Including mine!"
Arley laughed a little before saying, "You never wore skirts!"
"Still didn't stop you!" Arley and I laughed for a while, "Now look at you, giving me advice on guys!"
"My advice, Driver," Arley said, trying to keep a straight face.
"Yeah?" I asked.
"Yeah!" he said, "You two are perfect for each other! Trust me!"
"Maybe!" We fell quiet for a while. I decided a change in subject was in order, "Well, if you ever need to get away from your nephews again, you know where to find me!"
"I sure do," he said.