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Creep Cluster & Bleeding Crown
Author: Josie
Date: 02-04-13 12:49
"Please be quiet!" I ordered entering the alchemy classroom, demanding silence.
The conversations died and the sound of voices was replaced by books being opened, and quills being dipped in the ink. I cleared my throat and I started the class.
"Today we are going to continue with the study of the most important ingredients used in alchemy. I want to remind you that it is vital for you to learn the ingredients you are dealing with and its properties, before starting to experiment them. Most people believe alchemy is nothing else but mix ingredients and study the upcoming result of such experiments, but if you do not know what you are working with, then you will end up failing."
I used my wand to levitate a cup filled with a mass of orange-brown roots. The cup flew around the class so all the students could take a better look at it.
"This is called the Creep Cluster. We reduce the roots to obtain a juice that it's used in many mixtures. One single drop is enough most of the times since it is very potent."
"Is there a reason for it to be called 'Creep'?" Zuberi Batuti asked.
"Indeed. Care to touch the roots, Mr. Batuti?"
Zuberi did so and everyone observed him. Suddenly he started to tremble a bit and his fingers quickly abandoned the cup.
"It gave me chills. It was…"
"Creepy?" I suggested with a smile.
Zuberi nodded and soon all the other students wanted to give it a try. I awarded the Slytherin house 5 points and I assured everyone that the Creep Cluster was not harmless, despite its name and the chills it provoked. Once everyone had touched the roots I placed them carefully in a flask, and used my wand to write on the blackboard about the Creep Cluster's properties and its use in alchemy. Everyone started to take notes.
The next item of today's class was the Bleeding Crown. There wasn't anything interesting about the short red-capped mushrooms inside the basket on my desk. However, I went to the supplies cabinet and took a little flask containing some Bleeding Crown's juice. I asked for volunteers and I selected Cassidy Waldron from Ravenclaw and Sadie Mickle from Hufflepuff.
I instructed Cassidy to use the right tools from her alchemy kit to boil the juice. She did so in perfection and once it started to create a steam I asked Sadie to place her left hand there. I had noticed she had a small cut in it. The steam involved Sadie's hand and moments later she revealed to class how the cut was almost gone.
"The steam of the Bleeding Crown is very helpful with cicatrization. The tissues of the skin are renovated. And this type of fungi can be found in caves. It's not a rare ingredient at all and sometimes it's better to use this technique than using your own wand, when you are not sure of your healing capacities."
I awarded 5 points to Cassidy's house and 3 to Sadie's for her collaboration.
The last ingredient presented today was the Juniper Berries. After a long informative text written on the blackboard, where I had omitted its properties on purpose, I asked Broderick Carter to deliver each member of the class one single Juniper berry. I told the students it would be their homework to find out what those berries were used for. Everyone started to pack their things and once the bell rang almost everyone was gone.
The Visit
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 02-04-13 16:59
It was raining and noticeably warmer than home when Bronwyn arrived on the Diamond family's doorstep. It had been weeks since Bianca's letter had arrived. Bronwyn hadn't been avoiding her visit to Seattle. She just hadn't found the time to go until now.
She held up her hand to knock but hesitated, when she remembered the conversation she had had with Desi about Bianca's letter. Desi had revealed that she had had no contact with Bianca in quite some time; that, in effect, she had been avoiding her twin.
When Bronwyn had asked if Desi might like to accompany her to visit Bianca, Desi had given her an emphatic 'no'. This was something Bronwyn would have to do on her own or with somebody like Toby or Xavier.
In the end, Bronwyn had decided to go alone. Toby was always a good buffer, but to bring Xavier along seemed counterproductive. After all, he had been the object of Bianca's obsession, which had set off a chain of events from which Desi only recently seemed to have recovered.
Bronwyn pressed the doorbell and heard the singsong Ding, Dong ring throughout the house. What followed was the pitter patter of small feet and the sillouette of a little boy pressing himself against the frosted glass of the front door.
Bianca appeared right behind Wolfie, coaxed him away from the door, and opened it. Her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Bronwyn standing on the front stoop.
"Sorry I didn't give you advanced notice of my visit," Bronwyn said by way of greeting.
"Bon Bon!" Wolfie shouted, and he threw himself against her legs. He was barefoot, so she scooped him up into her arms and stepped inside the house where it was comfortably warm and dry.
"Hi, kiddo!" Bronwyn said, kissing him on the news. "How's my baby brother?"
"I'm not a baby!" Wolfie petulantly exclaimed, jutting out his lower lip.
"Of course not." She put him down, and he ran off to find the toy truck he had been pushing around the tile floor since before his mother and stepfather had left the house for work.
Bianca said, "I'm glad you came. Are you hungry? Thirsty? We just had breakfast."
"I haven't had dinner yet," Bronwyn said. She was on London time and was starting to get sleepy, since she had gotten up so early for her WWN job that morning. "I could eat something. Breakfast for dinner sounds fine."
Bianca nodded and lead Bronwyn into the kitchen, where a recently used frying pan was still on the stove. She went to the fridge and got out a carton of eggs and a container of bacon.
Bronwyn raised her eyebrows at Bianca's appearance and leaned against the counter where she wouldn't be in the way. "What's with the wardrobe?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
"Hmm?" Bianca asked. "Oh, you mean this?" She gestured at the faded Rammstein T-shirt she was wearing.
"Yeah, that," Bronwyn said. "Don't tell me Desi's taste in music and fashion has rubbed off on you. Despite appearances, you two are far from alike."
Bianca chewed her bottom lip as she mulled over Bronwyn's statement, as if trying to read between the lines. She decided the comment was made innocently enough and said, "Desi left a lot of her clothes in her closet. I've been borrowing her stuff because it's more practical for chasing after toddlers and I won't have to face a hefty dry cleaning bill if Wolfie gets them dirty."
"That makes sense," Bronwyn replied. She and Bianca had similar tastes in clothing. Stiletto heels, cashmere sweaters and chandelier earrings were not very practical when it came to childrearing. It was somewhat strange seeing Bianca dressed as Desi, especially because from the neck up she looked like her normal self, though she wore her hair in a simple ponytail and hadn't put on any makeup.
"So you are Wolfie's nanny?" Bronwyn asked. Somehow she hadn't known that.
"Pretty much," Bianca said, stirring bits of bacon in with the scrambled eggs in the pan. "Looking after him as been good therapy for me, and I actually like doing it. More than I ever thought I would."
"That's really good."
"Yeah." Bianca turned the heat down on the burner and turned to Bron. "Is Desi okay?"
"Yeah, she's okay. She's been keeping busy with work and stuff." She decided not to elaborate on Desi's love life, since that could be a touchy subject for everybody.
"That's good…" Bianca turned back to the frying pan, stirred the eggs and bacon some more, and then turned off the burner completely. She reached for a plate, dumped the contents of the frying pan onto it, and handed it to Bronwyn. "You're blocking the silverware drawer."
Bronwyn moved away from the counter and got a fork out of the drawer. Bianca let her to the breakfast table, under which was Wolfie, making truck noises as he bumped his toy into the table legs.
Bianca sat down opposite Bronwyn. For a brief while, she allowed Bronwyn to eat in silence. Then she said, "I'm really sorry."
"You don't have to apologize to me."
"But I do," Bianca said. "Desi is your best friend, and I know how she can get when she's unhappy about something. She keeps it in, and shuts everybody else out. I know that time wasn't easy for you."
Bronwyn ate another bite, swallowed it and said, "You're right. It wasn't easy for me, but it was far more difficult for her. You took away someone she really cared about. Up until that point, I'd never seen her so happy before."
"I know. I regret it everyday."
Bronwyn studied Bianca and decided that she was being honest. Her bad choice seemed to have changed her into a better person. She appearaed less selfish and more intune to the feelings and the well-being of others. Wolfie crawled into Bianca's lap from under the table and put his little hands on either side of her face.
Bronwyn watched how adoringly he gazed up at his big sister. "Don't be sad," he said to her, patting her cheeks.
"I'm not sad, buddy," she told him. He blew her a kiss and then scrambled off her lap to play with his truck some more.
Bronwyn cleared her throat. "Desi's okay now. She and Xavier are friends again."
"I'm glad to hear that."
"Yeah."
Bianca asked, "I don't suppose you can convince her to come home for a visit?"
"I can't promise anything, but I'll try." Brownyn finished her dinner that was really breakfast, or breakfast that was really dinner, and then helped Bianca clean up the kitchen. Wolfie wheeled his little truck after them and kept them company until Bronwyn decided it was time to go back home.
Just Before Dinner
Author: Blossom
Date: 02-04-13 18:35
"Larkin, finish your homework. Seth, please help Fabian wash his hands. Freddie, you need to get the toys off the table. We're eating soon." As she's giving these instructions Blossom is peering over Gideon's shoulder to see how he's coming along with the potatoes he wanted to help mash. "Good work, Gid. Just a little more."
A few minutes later the backdoor opens, ushering in a chill breeze along with Fred. "Sorry I'm late." He drops a kiss on Blossom's cheek. "How can I help?"
In a low voice and a glance over at the table, Blossom says, "Larkin is being slow with her homework. She says she can do it without my help but ,"
"Got it." Fred pats Gideon on the head as he passes to the table where not quite three year old Freddie has been taking his toys off as told but doing it one by one, prolonging the process. Fred slips into the chair next to Larkin. "What are you working on, poppet?"
A hint of tongue visible Larkin slides her workbook over for Fred to see. "Maths.
Glancing over the visible work and finding no mistakes he asks, "Are you nearly finished?"
"All done. That was the last," she says pointing.
"Then let's put your things away and get the table set for dinner." Looking up he asks no one in particular, "Where are Seth and Fabian?"
Turning from the stove top Blossom crinkles her brow. "I sent them to wash Fabian's hands."
"I'm sure they found a distraction. I'll go check on them. Larkin, sweetie, why don't you put out the forks and napkins then I'll help with the rest after I find out what Seth and Fabian are up to."
When Fred returns he finds Gideon handing cups to both Larkin and Freddie. Moving to get plates he tells Blossom, "They decided the best way to wash Fabian's hand was by using bubble bath. There were suds everywhere."
"Are Fabian's hands at least clean?" Blossom asks, trying not to laugh at what must have been a sight.
"Sparkling," Fred grins. "How did things go today?"
"Excellent. Hogsmeade Primary Day moves to its new building after the new year, unless there's a hitch in getting the building ready."
"That's great!"
Blossom had hope to eventually expand the new primary school side of things but thought it would be for the start of the next school year. So many enrolled at start-up and have been steadily enrolling since then she made the push to expand sooner, closing on another building in Hogsmeade today. Located between Baby Witch and The Magic Neep the back of the building faces the back of Blossom's with the area in between used for the gaming center's wizarding paint ball course. There's room for a path from the building to the playground. In time Blossom may move the day care to the new building as well, opening up her first building entirely for the gaming center. That, however, is something to think about in the future.
Doling out Gideon's mashed potatoes to each of the kids she smiles at Fred, "How was your day?"
The Last One to Know
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 02-05-13 02:44
The toast tasted like ashes in her mouth and after taking a sip of her pumpkin juice, Sophie concluded that this morning she wasn't going to be able to eat anything else.
Next to her, a copy of the Daily Prophet rested on the wooden table, opened on page six. Sophie didn't tend to read the newspaper but today she had asked Devon Abbott if she could take a look at it. It had to be today, and not tomorrow, or the next day. Maybe it was fate or just the universe playing a trick on her, making her read the Daily Prophet the exact day her father's engagement had been announced on page six of the newspaper.
The article was small but elegant and it said that Mr. Ian McCourt was engaged to a Miss Honoria Flannery. Sophie read the announcement many times not really believing its words. At first she wondered if this Ian McCourt could be someone who shared her father's name, but the more she became familiar with the announcement the more the doubts would vanish.
Sophie never had a close relationship with her father, but she always thought he would inform her about his marriage intentions, before telling it first to the rest of the wizarding world. She had never heard about this Honoria Flannery before and it bothered her she was the last person to know about this.
Sophie returned the newspaper to Devon, and she left the Hufflepuff table on her way to the common room, to fetch her bag with her books and supplies for today's classes.
"Hey…" a voice greeted.
She had just crossed with Caleb at the Great Hall's double doors. His hair was a mess and it seemed as if he had just got out of bed and dressed in a hurry. Sophie concluded he had slept more than he should; only having a few minutes now to have breakfast.
"Ector and I played Gobstones until late last night," he explained. "He had to take another shower this morning because of the smell."
On another occasion Sophie would find this amusing and laugh, but today she couldn't. Caleb noticed that and he asked her what was wrong.
"It's my father. He's going to marry. It was on the Daily Prophet."
"Oh…"
"He told the whole world but me. I guess he forgot that I exist."
"Or maybe he just wanted to tell you himself but he hasn't had found the right opportunity yet. I was also the last one to know of my mother's plans to marry my stepfather. You see, she wanted me to meet him at the right moment. "
"Perhaps…" she replied, still not very convinced. "Well I need to go fetch my things, and you obviously need to eat. And comb."
Caleb laughed.
"See you later at Potions?"
Sophie nodded and she walked away, hoping the Charms class would pass quickly so she could meet with Caleb again and listen to more of his advices during the Potions' class.
Creative Nappy Draping
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 02-05-13 15:12
Studying the nappie he's just put on Rose, Ron can't put his finger on what's odd looking about it. Sensing Ginny about to comment he holds up a finger. "I've got this."
Amusement dripping from her voice Ginny says, "I am sure you do."
Ron tells himself he can handle a simple nappy change. It's not as if he's not done them before. Not that many before Rose came along despite the many nieces and nephews but enough and since Rose, he's lost count. He can handle this. He's fought against Voldemort, Death Eaters, and supporters of Euphemia Smythe-Jones. He's an auror whose taken down several dangerous criminals, including a serial killer. Having his sister as an audience should not make any difference whatsoever.
He's running through this litany of reassurances in his abilities when he sees the problem. Ron only gave Rose one leg hole through which both of her legs are at the moment merrily kicking the air. That means there is no nappy protection as it's mainly forming a skirt around her tiny hips. Refusing to look at Ginny, who is now doubt doubled over with laughter as far as her pregnant body will allow, he fixes the nappy then picks his daughter up.
"There. See. Perfect."
Ginny dryly agrees, "Yes, perfect."
Just as when they were children Ron makes a face at her. She sweetly smiles back before asking, "Are you off today or working later?"
"Working later. Later as in tonight. It's necessary for a case I'm on. I was thinking of putting the kettle on for a cuppa. Want one?"
"Yes, please. That sounds good. It looks so warm outside with all that sun but it's anything but. Sooo, how many times has Hermione trusted you alone with Rose?"
"I do quite well, thank you very much," Ron protests.
"Sorry, but after seeing your creative nappy draping technique I couldn't resist."
In the kitchen now, Ron hands Rose off to Ginny then gets the kettle going and pulls cups from one cabinet. "I had a somewhat early breakfast so I'm thinking about something to eat as well. If I make some sandwiches and heat some soup, would you be interested?"
Ginny doesn't answer right away so Ron turns to look her direction. She's standing there, holding Rose in an odd manner, a strange look on her face. He's about to ask what's wrong when she finally responds to his question. "Lunch does sound good about now but I think it and the tea will have to wait."
"Why's that?"
"My water just broke."
Within a couple of minutes Ron has Ginny at St. Mungo's and via patronus has contacted Harry at the Ministry, passing along from Ginny that Harry's to let Arthur know and then go home and retrieve the bag she has packed before coming to the hospital. After checking on Rose in her carrier, Ron sends out patronuses to others, including Hermione, to let them know what's going on.
Two Wizards Walk into a Bar
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 02-06-13 17:39
The air is thick with the scent of smoke, drink, and other questionably potent aromas. Hans leads Berthold through The Rotting Flesh towards the bar, where a dark-skinned young wizard is pouring drinks. A young witch whose appearance is somewhat haggard despite her years sits on a stool and flirts with the bartender.
Hans reaches the counter and leans on one arm, alerting the bartender to his presence. Berthold notices that the bartender seems to recognize Hans. Either Hans frequents the pub with some regularity or they know each other from elsewhere. As this is Berthold's first visit to the pub with Hans, he does not know how they are acquainted.
"Two Dunkelweizens," Hans says, holding up two fingers.
The bartender pulls two long glasses from the rack over his head and pours them full of the brown, frothy beer. Hans accepts them in exchange for a few coins and then asks, "Is Xanthus here tonight?"
The bartender points to a shadowy corner. "He's on his third drink already. I can't promise he'll be of any use to you tonight."
Hans grins. "I'll take my chances." He turns, handing Berthold a glass, while the bartender resumes his flirtatious conversation with the witch on the stool.
"Who is Xanthus?" Berthold asks, as they make their way across the haze-filled pub to the table in the corner.
"He's known by various epithets, including 'the All-Knowing', 'the One Who Watches', 'Ear to the Ground', and 'the Snitch'. Xanthus has more connections to the underground than anybody I know. If there's something you want to find out, he knows who to ask to get you the information. He collects news the way someone might collect Chocolate Frog Cards; and he doesn't always give it away freely."
"How do you know him?" Berthold asks.
"I sold him a rolltop desk last year, but I'd heard of him before I made the sale. In certain circles, he's legendary."
By then they reach the corner table, where a thin man with high cheek bones and short black curly hair sits. Several empty glasses litter his table, and the one he's clutching in his hand is only half full. He is alone.
Without waiting for an invitation, Hans slips into the seat across from Xanthus's and says, "Good evening, friend."
Berthold sits in the chair between them.
Xanthus, whose eyes are tinged slightly red from his inebriation, struggles to focus on Hans. When his dark eyes finally met those of the younger wizard, however, it's clear he recognizes him. "Come to sell me more furniture, Hans?"
"Not tonight, Xanthus. I've come to ask you for some information."
"What sort of information?" Xanthus asks. His speech is surprisingly not slurred.
Hans looks around, leans forward, and says in as low a tone as he can manage while still being heard by Xanthus, "Where is Adriana Fairchild's base of operations?"
Xanthus says nothing for a long time, studying Hans with his coal black eyes. At last, he looks over at Berthold, and then back to Hans.
"Who is your friend, Hans?"
"Forgive my bad manners," Hans apologizes. "This is Berthold Beatenberg. He is an old friend of my father's."
"Well met, Berthold," Xanthus drawls. "Tell me, is it you who wishes to know the location of Ms. Fairchild's hideaway, or are you just keeping young Hans company?"
"I do wish to know it," Berthold supplies. "Do you know where she is?"
When Xanthus doesn't reply, Berthold reaches into his pocket and throws a few coins onto the table. Xanthus doesn't take them right away. He says, "No. That, I'm afraid, is a closely guarded secret. However, I may be able to get you an eventual invitation into her ranks. Would that sate your appetite?"
"That will do," Berthold says. "Tell me everything you know."