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Press Conference
Author: Carys
Date: 02-18-13 11:01
The relative silence in the administration office was broken by Ava Owen, a staffer with the university newspaper, who exclaimed, "Carys! There you are! I've been looking all over for you!"
Everyone in the office looked at Ava, who hardly noticed the attention her noisy entrance created. She moved to Carys' side and gently pulled her away from the counter, where she had been filling out parchmentwork relating to the change in her name.
Carys had been meaning to update her records at St. Emrys ever since her marriage to Griffin, but was only just now getting around to it. She had decided to take the same surname as Tristan, Hanham-Price. Hanham was a name she had difficulty dropping, since it tied her to Gaenor, her mother, and Mairwen, her grandmother. To some extent it also tied her to her brother Owain.
She hoped her father would understand why she dropped his name. Carys had yet to visit him since the wedding, but she planned on making a family trip after this week. She knew the walls of his cell were pinned with pictures of her and Tristan, and she had more photographs for him from the wedding.
"What's up?" she asked Ava, in a much quieter tone of voice.
Ava explained, "Campus security is giving a press conference in five minutes. The murderer has finally confessed."
"Really?"
"Yeah, really. We need to go. Do you have your camera on you?"
"Not the one I would normally use for work, but I have a small one in my bag."
"It'll have to do. Come on!"
Carys grabbed the parchmentwork she hadn't yet finished and stuffed it into her bag, telling the receptionist that she would come back with the completed forms ASAP. Then she hurriedly followed Ava out of the office, to the site of the press conference.
Alongside campus security were a couple of Ministry of Magic officials.
Carys hauled out her small camera, while Ava got out a pad of parchment and a quill.
"Good morning," stated one of the security officers. "As of early this morning, the suspect in custody, Edwin Garrow, has admitted to the murders of Berenice Maidstone, Dacia Osterberg, Ekaterina Larin, and Marcie Haydon. He has been cooperating with aurors to locate the body of Ms. Larin, which is still unaccounted for at this time."
The officer went on to describe why Garrow became a serial murderer, stating he had been rejected by one too many women and had believed the only way he could ever get girls was by abducting them.
His sentencing trial was set to begin after the start of the new year.
Carys found it a bit sad that Garrow had gone to such dire lengths to be with and get revenge on women, but at least he was behind bars now and wouldn't hurt anybody else ever again.
Broadhaven
Author: Ella
Date: 02-18-13 12:01
The small, thatched-roof cottage stood on incredibly rocky terrain on a cliff in Broadhaven, Caithness in far northern Scotland. The home had originally been built by Muggles but had seen many wizarding improvements, which perhaps explained why the unstable home hadn't yet fallen into the sea.
Despite the magical enhancements, the house contained many cracks that allowed the piercing, freezing wind to enter, keeping the cottage far from cozy and warm. Ella sat shivering in a thick, fur-lined coat underneath several layers of blankets. Zane sat beside her on the couch, dressed not as warmly and not seeming half as bothered by the chilly temperatures.
A fire roared in the hearth, but the wind that howled and whistled through the house always threatened to snuff it out and prevented it from doing its job of keeping the house warm.
"How much longer do we have to stay here?" Ella asked, her teeth chattering. "Every day you say only one day more, but you've been saying that for weeks now."
"Don't you like being on holiday?" Zane asked, not bothering to look up from the yellow-paged novel he read.
"Yes, but I think I've had enough of this part of the country to last a lifetime," Ella replied. "Explain to me why again you thought it was a grand idea to visit Broadhaven in the middle of winter?"
"Where's your sense of adventure, Ella?" Zane replied, finally deigning to look at her. "I know this place isn't much, but you have to admit it's beautiful here."
And it was, but Ella had no doubt it would be even more amazing in summer when the not-so-rocky terrain was a vibrant green against a backdrop of bright blue sky and deep blue sea.
"Did you see the fishermen earlier this morning?" Zane asked. "They don't seem to mind the cold, do they?"
"Maybe they're used to it," Ella muttered. "Seriously, though. Can we go home soon? I'm afraid I won't have any fingers and toes left if we stay much longer."
Zane didn't respond right away, and when he did he said, "I promise we'll be home by Christmas, if not sooner."
Ella sucked in the cold air and felt her throat burn. "Really?"
"I keep my promises, Ella."
She nodded and snuggled into his side, trying to absorb some of his body heat. He threw an arm around her shoulders and drew her close, turning back to his book. He seemed without a care in the world, but he was anything but carefree.
(Toby) Don't I Know You?
Author: Beck
Date: 02-18-13 14:03
Toby touched down and swung his broomstick out from between his legs. He walked over to the refreshments station, which on a hot day offered ice cold water and other cool beverages. Today he reached for a tall thermos of hot cocoa. It burned all the way down his throat, but didn't do much for the tips of his ears and nose, which were red from the cold.
The Falmouth Falcons were gearing up for a weekend match against the Kenmare Kestrals. Kenmare was one of the top teams this season, and as such, the Falcons wanted to get as much practice in as possible. They knew they had to play hard and without mistakes if they wanted a chance at beating the Kestrals, but maybe luck would be in their favor this weekend. Some matches weren't won by skill alone, after all.
A low argument drew Toby's attention. Stefan Longree and Lissy Rodan still hadn't discovered amiability following their breakup a couple months ago. The tension between them had caused a few issues in terms of teamwork and was beginning to give Coach Moreland cause to bench one or both in favor of alternate players.
Toby had no interest in eavesdropping on their argument and walked towards the stands with his broomstick in one hand, thermos in the other, and beater's bat tucked under one arm. He wondered if the stairwell would provide at least marginally comforting conditions from the wintry weather out of doors and moved in that direction, only to find himself face to face with a witch who looked familiar, though he couldn't place her at first.
"Hi, Toby," the witch said.
"Hi…" Toby began, searching his brain for her name.
"Maybelle," she supplied, "Maybelle Evans. Remember we met a while back? My cousin is Ramon Evans, the maintenance wizard."
"I remember," Toby said, their first meeting coming to mind at last. "You've changed your hair," he remarked.
"Just the color," Maybelle said, tugging on the end of her long ponytail. Her hair had been brown when they'd first met. Now it was blonde. "Do you like it?"
"Well, I have a thing for blondes, so yes, I like it," Toby replied, with an impish grin.
Maybelle giggled. "Good to know. So, are you having a good practice?"
"It's blasted cold, but otherwise, yes, I guess so. We have a big game coming up this weekend."
"I know, against the Kestrals. Do you think the Falcons will beat them?"
Toby looked over his shoulder at Stefan and Lissy. They were still exchanging unpleasantries. "I guess we'll find out, won't we?" he replied, turning back to Maybelle. "So, what brings you do the stadium today? It's too cold to watch us practice."
"I'm cold-blooded," Maybelle joked. "Honestly, I don't mind the cold so much. Besides, the snow flurries are just beautiful, don't you think?"
"Yes, but when it sticks to the ground and it's so cold you can't feel your fingers, then I start wishing for spring and summertime," Toby replied, grinning.
Coach Moreland blew his whistle, signaling for everyone to resume practicing. Toby smiled at Maybelle apologetically. "Sorry, but I have to run."
"No worries, Toby. I'm glad we could chat."
"See you."
"Yes, see you."
Toby turned and headed back onto the field, leaving his thermos onto the refreshments table. He mounted his broomstick and took to the air. Right before the shrill whistle sounded again, Toby suddenly realized that he may have seen Maybelle in between their first meeting and now. His memory wasn't very clear, as that night had been particularly chaotic, but he could almost swear that Maybelle had been at his house on Halloween night.
Corner Table
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 02-18-13 17:21
"Zabrynna? Why are you at this tiny corner table?" Mariposa sits down without being invited, eyes widened slightly with inquisitiveness.
The table is literally in the corner, two sides of the small square line up with and are touching the two walls and the corner of the table is up against the spot where the two walls meet. One of the two chairs faces one of the walls and the second chair faces the other wall.
Looking up from the notes she's reading Zabrynna tells her sister, "It's out of the main foot traffic and I don't have people constantly stopped by to say hello. If I weren't hungry I would be at some out of the way desk in the library."
Mariposa nods at Zabrynna's notes. "For an exam today?"
"In just over an hour. I'm ready for it but I can't myself from going over everything yet again."
"I'm not surprised. You've always had a touch of anal compulsion when it comes to school."
Zabrynna shrugs. "What can I say? It's probably one of the reasons I was sorted into Ravenclaw at Hogwarts. But . Never mind."
"Don't throw in a but then tell me never mind. I won't leave you be until you say."
Zabrynna gives a small eye roll. "Studying extra for exams this weeks helps me stay distracted from something else."
"Which is?"
"Every so often when I'm going to Hogwarts to do some work for AJ or coming from there I see that reporter." Zabrynna refuses to voice the loathsome woman's name. "I've read the articles to date subverting the Hogwarts staff. I can't help thinking." Zabrynna gives her sister a you know what I'm referring to look.
"There's nothing there to find."
"She doesn't need hard evidence. All she needs is a suggestion of something."
"You can't let yourself dwell on the what if."
"I know but the more I try not to, the harder it is to think about anything but."
Mariposa pats Zabrynna's hand. "I'm sorry. I wish I could ease your mind. I know it's not anything helpful but come to dinner with AJ and me tonight. We're trying a new Italian place."
"Maybe. I should get more studying done."
"Me too but we both have to eat, so come."
"Okay, thanks."
"Now, make a little room so I can get in my own last review for my next exam."
New BOO
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 02-19-13 17:35
"Why am I here, Bella?"
"To give your opinion, of course."
"Opinion on what?"
"Don't be tedious."
"As I am never tedious you must be confusing me with Draco."
Bellatrix twirls around to give Lucius a quirked eyebrow stare. He gives an elegant, one shouldered shrug. "All parents find their children tedious at times. Why else would that old chestnut about children being seen and not hear have become an old chestnut?"
"Fair point, I suppose, though I am not going to obtain my own child just to test the veracity of your statement. Now, about the house."
"You have a house here, one in which you may currently reside without any Ministry repurcussions, unlike some of us. Unless ,"
"Unless what, Lucius?"
"Unless you have done something to curry the Ministry's wrath once again."
"I have not. At least not yet that is. One never knows."
"Then why are Barty and I here and where did he get of to?"
"He said something about giving the dungeon, erm, I mean cellar, a perusal. You are here to help me decide if this will become my new British BOO."
"Again, you have a home here you may freely use. Why do you need a new base of operations for Britain?"
"Oh, you know, this and that. Best not to soil the home front if one can do the dirty work elsewhere."
"And what dirty work is that?"
"Whatever strikes my fancy. I am long overdue afterall; plus, you mustn't forget that Fairchild chit may be legitimate."
"The spiritual child of Voldemort."
"I resouled Barty after he'd been subjected to the Dementor's Kiss. The Dark Lord split his being into a variety of objects. There are cursed objects capable of trapping a person for indeterminate periods with the person only a little worse for wear. Why shouldn't I believe a spiritual child of Voldemort is possible?" Bellatrix puts out her arms and does a spin asking as she does, "What do you think of this room?"
As he's here and Bellatrix will simply make a bother of herself until he gives an opinion, Lucius might as well tell her what he thinks. Pointing to a large fireplace framed in a marble so dark blue as to look purple, he says, "You can see some cracks on that side, possibly caused by shifts in the foundation. Whether that's the cause or it's something else, it needs to be addressed."
Once begun Lucius gives that room along with the rest of the mansion a thorough going over, giving each room a critical eye and asking Bella her plans for certain areas of the house if she does make the purchase.
(Colin) Clueless
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 02-20-13 03:18
Colin was already awake when Madam Pomfrey pulled the white curtains away, letting the pale autumn sunlight invade his cubicle. She wished him a good morning and offered him a spoon of the so much hated medicine, that he dreaded to take three times a day. But the fact was that thanks to it Colin was feeling much better and his intense cough had diminished a lot compared to last week's.
On his bedside table rested some of his school text books. Angus would always come at the end of the day, with a pile of notes for Colin to read. He admitted that he had never paid so much attention in class during his school years, just so he could make sure Colin had all the information he needed so he could keep up with the contents taught. From time to time Angus would give him a hint, about how later he would want to be repaid for his services. After all Colin was a good student and he would not mind if Angus took a look at his essays and tests from time to time, wouldn't he?
His parents wrote him a card wishing him to get better soon and, attached to it, came a package of chocolate frogs, but more than half of the frogs and its cards had already disappeared, because Angus would always have one or two during his visit.
After breakfast, Madam Pomfrey came to check his temperature and she seemed glad he had no fever. Colin then watched her walking away towards another bed, where a frightened girl from Ravenclaw had been transferred to the Hospital Wing last night with the chicken pox. The image of Professor Flitwick in his stripped pajamas as he was assisted by one of the Ravenclaw prefects to escort the girl in the middle of the night into the Hospital Wing, still made Colin laugh.
"You look dreadful."
"Good morning to you too, Thalia," Colin greeted, as his head turned to his house colleague, trying to hide his surprise.
This was the first time Thalia Brown came to visit him and he was not expecting so. They would occasionally work together on homework, or sit together at the Great Hall, but Colin wouldn't call her a friend. She pulled a chair and sat next to his bed. For a moment neither of them spoke. Thalia adjusted her dark hair, why Colin started to feel a bit ashamed to present himself in front of her in his pajamas. He was feeling a bit vulnerable. Thalia was the first one to break the silence:
"Too bad you missed the school play. It was a good production."
"Well, maybe next time I can get a chance to go."
Another silence and then Thalia opened her school bag and took a quill out of it.
"I almost forgot: You borrowed this to me a couple of weeks ago. It has been in my bag for ages…"
"Thank you."
Colin accepted the quill and placed it on his bedside table, among his other belongings. There was that awkward silence again that was interrupted by the bell. Thalia stayed where she was, not moving a muscle.
"Don't you have a class to attend?" he pointed out.
"Only DADA at 12.45. I thought you could use some company, but I guess I was mistaken," Thalia stood up and walked away, her steps echoing in the impeccable linoleum floor of the Hospital Wing.
Colin rolled his eyes, not really understanding what had just happened. He wished there was a school subject that taught how to handle with witches because at the moment he was just clueless about Thalia and her brief visit.
(Ember) Another Day Closer
Author: Arlington J Montgomery
Date: 02-20-13 17:41
Ember was stretched out on the couch at Cameron's house. She still lived in the Basement apartment at Dexter and Karma's house, but spent most of her time with her boyfriend. She and Cameron had hit it off when they first met, and he had embraced her, pregnancy and all. It was weird, having someone love her like he did. After she was raped, she never thought anyone would think she wasn't still broken. When she told him she was pregnant, he said he would stay with her and help her raise the baby as his own.
"You are seriously the most amazing man in the history of the world. Though it's still weird being nineteen and pregnant."
Cameron stopped as he stepped through the fireplace. "Aw, Em. You are so sweet, honey." He stepped over and kissed her lightly. "You look beautiful too, how are you feeling?"
She sat up and struggled to get of the couch, but Cameron easily helped her up. "I feel good, actually. I'm just so glad to be done with the morning sickness for the most part. Are you just home for lunch?"
Cam nodded and ran his hands across Ember's belly. "Yes, I wanted to spend some time with you since I have several homes to show this afternoon. I was thinking we could go out for dinner tonight?"
"Oh, yeah we can do that." She couldn't help but smile as Cam leaned down to kiss her tummy and say hello to the baby as well. "I love you. But you are a total dork when it comes to the baby, Cameron."
"I can't help it, I can't wait to meet this little boy or girl. No doubt they will be as feisty and fiery as their mother." Cam smiled and stepped into the kitchen to make a quick lunch for the pair of them.
After lunch the couple spent a few moments cuddling on the couch. "I was thinking, I need to talk to him...
Cameron tensed visibly, but nodded in agreement. "I know, but you won't be talking to that jerk alone. He doesn't know anything yet, does he?"
"Nope, and he's not gonna take the news well. Although, I'm hoping he won't want anything to do with the baby since he doesn't have the ability to care. I think I'll be able to get him to sign over his paternal rights. Though confronting him with you, all my brothers, Karma and Desi he'll listen to what I have to say."
"That sounds like a very good plan honey. You know, I still can't believe you're six months along already. It feels like just yesterday you told me you were expecting."
"I know... everyday is another day closer to meeting this little one."
Revelations
Author: Illyria
Date: 02-20-13 17:59
Dressed in a fleece-lined cloak, Illyria stepped off the Hogwarts grounds and entered the village of Hogsmeade. She had begun to feel stir crazy in the castle, and when her stomach reminded her that she had skipped breakfast, she decided to treat herself to lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.
As she walked the path that led up to High Street, Illyria debated which establishment to patronage. She knew she wanted something hot, like soup. The air was crisp, and her breath fogged in front of her face every time she breathed. But, it wasn't a miserably cold day. It snowed lazily, the white flakes dusting the hood and shoulders of her dark cloak.
She turned left onto High Street and continued her pondering, when she suddenly felt someone grab hold of her arm. She whirled around and fumbled for her wand, only to find herself face to face with Nathan.
"What are you doing?" she hissed, looking around wildly for witnesses. "You can't be here. You can't be here with me!" she exclaimed, finally turning to him pleadingly.
"I have to talk to you," he said. "Skeeter can write whatever she wants about us. It doesn't matter anymore."
Illyria yanked her arm free and retorted, "It matters to me. I don't want to get any more nasty letters from old witches who don't have anything better to do than get worked up over Daily Prophet articles."
"Why should that even bother you? Who cares what everybody else thinks?"
"I care!" Illyria exclaimed. "And it's not just them. It's my students' parents. Even my students look at me differently now."
"Surely not all of them," Nathan reasoned.
Illyria didn't reply, but he was right. Most didn't seem to care at all.
"Illyria, please listen to me. Can we go some place and talk?" Nathan asked.
Illyria sighed. "I came here to get some lunch."
"So let's get some lunch," Nathan said. He pulled up the sleeve of his coat and remarked, "A bit early, isn't it?"
Illyria started walking and said over her shoulder, "I didn't have breakfast."
"And I had a meal fit for two, at least," he replied, hurrying to keep up with her, "but it's a good thing I have a fast metabolism."
Illyria shot him a withering look. "So, you wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes." He fiddled with his hands, and Illyria noticed for the first time that he wasn't wearing his wedding ring. She looked up at his face. "The thing is, I wasn't the only one being unfaithful."
Illyria stopped. "What?"
Nathan turned to face her, still wringing his hands together. "Urania was cheating too."
"What?"
"I didn't know, not until she threw it in my face after the truth about us went public."
Illyria knew the news shouldn't make her feel better about her own situation, but it did.
"Unfortunately, there's more," Nathan continued. "The wizard she cheated with was Gustavo."
"Your best friend," Illyria replied, gasping in surprise. "Nathan, I'm sorry. That's…" She trailed off, not even sure what to say. They had been wrong to continue their relationship after his marriage to her sister, but Urania and Gustavo had been wrong too.
"Yeah, but that's not all," Nathan said, and an almost haunted look passed over him.
Illyria couldn't help herself. She put a mittened hand out and rested it on top of his clasped hands. "What is it, Nathan?"
He fixed her with a melancholy expression and revealed, "Andrew is not my son."