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(Caleb) Good Mood
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 03-10-13 04:14
Caleb was in a very good mood. Not only Ravenclaw had won the match against Hufflepuff but also this was the last week of classes. Soon he would go back home for Christmas and he would be able to see his mother and stepfather again as well as the chance to spend a couple of days at his father's house.
Caleb was also relieved because a package with his Secret Santa gift for the seventh year Gryffindor Marjani Batuti, had finally arrived. He had asked his mother for help and she had been the one who picked Marjani's gift because Caleb had no idea what to offer a girl who was six or seven years older than he. Caleb only paid for it, using his pocket money.
He showed the bag that was Marjani's gift to Sophie, before both of them headed into different ways: he was going to have Charms and she had to go to Transfiguration, a class she was not looking forward to assist.
"I'm sure she will like it," Sophie assured Caleb.
He noticed her friend seemed a bit down than usual. At first he thought the reason for it was that Hufflepuff had lost last weekend's match, but he noticed Sophie was holding a letter in her hand.
"Bad news?" he asked, as they left the Great Hall. Sophie had offered to escort Caleb to class, before she headed to hers. It seemed she was doing everything she could to delay entering Professor Flint's classroom, a reaction Caleb himself understood too well: no one wanted to be caught alone in the classroom with the teacher. He would always talk about advanced transfiguration a topic none of them was able to understand.
"More or less. It's a letter from my father. He wants me to spend Christmas with him and his fiancée."
"I'm sure it's not going to be that bad," he assured her.
"Christmas is supposed to be spent with family, not with a strange witch."
"She is going to marry your father, Soph. "
"That is what we will see. Maybe my father will change his mind. The wedding doesn't even have a date yet, as far as I know…"
Caleb did not say a thing. He knew there was nothing he could do to make Sophie accept her future stepmother. Only time would make that happen. He hoped that all went well and she would actually like her, just like he did with Nigel. Caleb saw on his stepfather a friend and someone he could count with if he needed anything.
"Well, this is me," he told her, at the Charms' classroom door. Professor Flitwick was already inside. He too seemed to be on a splendid good mood.
"I will see you later," Sophie replied, giving reluctance steps into her classroom's direction.
Night Terror
Author: Arlington J Montgomery
Date: 03-10-13 11:11
Monday had arrived, and another week started as usual. Arlington and Sebastian were in a comfortable routine, so seamless in their relationship after many years together, they instinctively knew what the other was thinking. Arley stretched out in bed and pulled Sebastian in closer, who rolled over to face him.
"You realize its Monday already, right hon?" He raked his fingers through Sebastian's unruly hair, a habit he picked up when they were still teenagers at Hogwarts.
Seb nodded a bit, his head nestled in the crook of Arley's neck. "Yes, but being cuddled has its advantages, Arlington."
"I didn't say it didn't, but we both have to work today. C'mon, shower time then breakfast." He climbed out of bed, and tugged Seb along with him with a playful smile.
Seb reluctantly whined in agreement. "I know. I wish, for once, we could do a photo shoot together. That would be amazing, wouldn't it? "Arley leaned in to brush a soft kiss across Seb's lips in response, his silent 'yes'. Within two hours the couple had showered, finished breakfast and headed off to separate photo shoots for the day.
~~~
Later that evening Arley arrived home first, and had changed into a well-worn pair of sweatpants by the time his partner apparated home. "Hey Seb, did you have a good day?" Arley moved over to Sebastian and pulled him in for a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too, Arlington. Today went very well in fact." the tall Swede said with a smile as he studied his man's muscular frame, but stopped when he noticed something dark in Arley's eyes. "Is everything alright? Has something happened again?" He was referring to Arley's recurring nightmares that had intensified ever since Halloween. Arley was still sleeping alright, as Seb was able to calm him down and quell his fears.
"I just…I've been thinking, remembering what happened Sebastian. I can't get him out of my head lately." Arley was referring to his father, the infamous James Montgomery who currently sat in a wizarding prison in the States for the kidnapping and torture of his son and daughter.
Seb took a seat on the nearby couch and pulled Arley down into his lap and wrapped his arms around the usually stronger man. "Tell me what you've been thinking about. I want to help, honey."
Arley relaxed almost instantly in Seb's embrace. "I keep thinking something's gonna happen…and I'm convinced he killed Mom. I know he did, I was there but had blocked it out."
Seb blinked at Arlington's revelation. "Are you sure? I mean, we need to tell the authorities if he is responsible for your mother's death."
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure. Not sure how I would prove it though, Mama's murder was in a muggle part of town, so he was able to get away without anyone else noticing. I dunno what to do, Seb. I mean he's already in jail, maybe he's better off rotting in there than convicting him."
"If he is responsible, he should be punished. You need to have closure on this sweetheart. I hate seeing you so upset."
"I know, I know. We'll figure something out, okay?" He turned a bit for a tender, lingering kiss before getting up and fixing dinner. Arley was able to shut down his anger towards (and fear of) his father for the rest of the evening. The boys enjoyed dinner and settled in for bed on a routine Monday night. Little did they know it would turn out to be a sleepless night.
Several hours later, Arley was tossing and turning in bed. A nightmare had slipped into his formerly peaceful slumber and was terrorizing him. He flipped over and whimpered like a little boy. In his dream his father stood over his mother's body laughing, Arley in shock beside him, but the time was off. Sebastian, Fallon and Desi were unconscious beside him, possibly dead themselves. James had escaped from prison in the dream, and was taking out his anger on the people his children loved most of all to make Arley suffer for what James believed were wicked ways.
Arley shot awake in bed, his wand drawn and pointed at an invisible from in the corner. It was almost as if he was in a trance, engulfed by the emotions he was hit with. Sebastian instantly grabbed Arley to try and calm him down, but the slightly more muscular Texan broke free, his eyes were wild and afraid.
"Arlington, it is alright, it was only a dream." He spoke softly, to avoid spooking his partner in his entranced state.
"NO! He's coming! I need to get out! Can't let him hurt you!" Arley nearly ran into the living room, but was unable to focus enough to apparate.
"Arley, he's in jail, he cannot hurt me or you or anyone. Please, relax a bit my love."
Arley just shook his head, his long hair was draped over his face as he perched on the back of the sofa, shaking visibly, his toes digging into the cushion.
Sebastian just stood in shock for a few moments, Arley looked so terrified right now, so broken. He couldn't calm the man down on his own, he needed support. After running over the options in his head, he decided against writing Fallon, and chose to scribble a note to their friend Desdemona Diamond. She and Arley had been friends since they were kids. She knew what he had been through in the past, and Sebastian was sure she could help them.
Desi,
I'm afraid I am in desperate need of your help. Something has happened, it is Arlington. Please come soon, and alone. Just, please…I think he has had a terror.
Your Friend,
Seb
The note was short and he sent it off with Rudy to Desi as quickly as he could. In the meantime he continued to try and talk to Arley, to get him to relax a little. He really didn't have the heart to stun his partner of almost nine years. Maybe Desi would be able to help. Seb curled into the couch, his arms wrapped around his knees as he waited, and watched Arley in only a pair of sweatpants and looking so scared.
(Madeline) Just Another Monday
Author: Sy Tremont
Date: 03-10-13 17:28
As a first year, I wasn't allowed to go to the village and do my shopping there, however, I'd received several catalogues that I could use to choose Christmas gifts for, and as I only had two main people to purchase for and a few select friends that would be getting gifts I had time to choose. Thankfully, my gift for my Secret Santa had arrived yesterday via owl and I could get it set up at the tree. I wrapped it and the items that I purchased to go with it – and I was amazed that I did not have to argue with my brother, guardian, whatever to get the money for the extras.
"What did you get him?" Ollie asked as we headed out of the Great Hall after lunch. Ollie was done until Astronomy later tonight, and so was I.
"An acoustic guitar that is a pretty red color, some strings, music books and a certificate for lessons if he doesn't already know how to play."
"Sounds awesome. Did you get something for Sylvain? Or are you waiting until after you get home to get that gift?"
I muttered lightly beneath my breath. My half-brother and guardian was still somewhat of a sore subject for me and I was not entirely looking forward to going home during the winter holidays.
"I've gotten his gift already, but honestly I'm not sure if I think it fits. I mean I don't even know him well enough to get him something personal. Though, I do like what Aderyn Carter had suggested when we'd been studying for History of Magic the other day..."
"What was that?"
"She suggested that I put together a photo album of pictures of our father that he can have, so he has some memories of him. I think he would like somehing like that since he hardly knew our dad....that still sounds so very weird to say."
"I know, but you'll get used to it I think. Your brother seems nice, or at least he did for the brief amount of time that I did get to meet him during the events this year."
"True. Alright, I think I still have a little bit of studying to get done before Astronomy tonight, so I will see you after dinner for a game of Wizarding Chess?"
"Of course as usual!"
With that Ollie and I parted ways, and I headed back to Gryffindor Tower to relax for a bit and finish up what I needed to get done before astronomy tonight. Legs curled beneath me on the bed, I also picked up the as of yet unopened letter that had been delivered from the solicitor this morning with breakfast. I'd opened the larger envelope but not the smaller which bore my father's hand writing on it. I wasn't sure if I had the courage to read what was probably his last words to me right now. Maybe when I was home in the comfort of my own room and could cry without others demanding to know what was wrong and prying into things that I am not ready to discuss.
Tucking the letter off to the side, I quickly turned my attention to my astronomy, wanting to get it done so I had time to focus on other things as well as ensure that I had homework free time to this evening for my nightly Wizarding chess game with Ollie.
(Mark) At the Library
Author: Isolde
Date: 03-10-13 18:00
The library seemed busier than usual, though it wasn't nearly as crowded as it would be at the end of the school year, when frantic O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. students filled every table and study carrel. It wasn't time for those very important exams yet, but it was the last week of Fall Term, and many professors were giving exams in their classes.
Mark had only had two classes in the morning: Ancient Runes at 9am and Charms at 10am. Since then, he'd been in the library, studying for the exams he had this week and doing pre-research for some of the holiday homework assignments he had already gotten from his professors. He normally wasn't very studious, if his mostly mediocre marks were anything by which to judge. However, Mark tended to put effort into exam week, as if it made up for his laziness throughout term.
He glanced at the watch on his arm to see if he should wrap up his studying and head to the Great Hall for lunch. Mark had two classes this afternoon: Defense Against the Dark Arts at 12:45pm and Alchemy at 1:45pm. Because DADA started before 1pm, he didn't want to lose track of time and be forced into taking a short lunch. He supposed he could inhale a snack between his afternoon classes, but he was planning on doing that anyway.
He still had about ten minutes to spare, but then it occurred to him that he hadn't yet dropped off the Secret Santa gift he had picked up in Hogsmeade. It had been sitting in its shopping bag under his four-poster bed ever since that Saturday, until he'd rediscovered it this morning while in search for one of his shoes.
After borrowing some green, shiny wrapping paper from Baltus, Mark had wrapped the gift and stuck it in his bag, with the intention of taking it to the Common Common Room at some point during the day. Now was as good a time as ever, so Mark collected his stuff, put the library books he was using on a trolley, and waved to Azaelia as he went out the door.
The gift was for Baron Marchbanks, who Mark knew because he was in Slytherin. Baron was only a third year, though. While in Hogsmeade, Mark had picked up a pair of high-end Quidditch goggles. He remembered that Baron had tried out for the Slytherin team during the trials and thought the younger boy might appreciate the goggles, especially since Mark didn't think Baron already owned a pair.
He made his way downstairs from the library and entered the Common Common Room, which was also somewhat busy. Some students went there for lunch when they only wanted a snack or something quick. Mark went up to the towering Christmas tree, underneath which were many packages of varying sizes and shapes. He stuck Baron's under the tree without looking to see if one had his name on it. Then he left for the Great Hall and lunch.
(Titus) Christmas Time
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 03-11-13 02:09
Christmas was just around the corner. All the divisions had been decorated with colorful balls, ribbons and Christmas trees, the ghosts sang Christmas carols alongside with the students belonging to the Hogwarts Harmonies club. Some silly girls giggled whenever they passed under the mistletoes hanging on the ceilings, not to mention the annoying couples that would block the corridors because they decided to stop for the traditional kiss when they found themselves under that absurd little plant.
It was snowing at the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall as well as outside. The roofs were covered with snow just like the trees and the grounds surrounding the castle. Even the figures of the portraits seemed to be happier than usual.
Everywhere he went there would be conversations about Christmas: presents someone was hoping to receive, distant relatives invited for the Christmas Eve supper that not everyone was fond off but it would not be the same thing without them, the delicious food prepared by grandmothers, mothers and even dedicated house elves, the smiles and good moments, the traditions…
Titus Nott must be one of the few people in the castle who loathed Christmas. He would stay mute as Anton, Valeria and Petula would talk about their Christmas with their family at the Slytherin table, his eyes gazing at the snow falling from the ceiling, trying to hide his jealousy. Because Christmas to Titus did not mean the same thing as it did for his friends.
He knew how exactly his holidays would be: locked at his bedroom at Endhope Abbey while Tiberius would be busy with whatever affairs consumed him. His parents would send him a Christmas letter from Azkaban promising they would send him a present, that never came, and none of the other illustrious members of the Nott family spread around the country, whose portraits filled the walls of their house, would bother to appear or give any news.
The meals would be like every other day, and the Christmas theme china and crystal glasses would keep gaining dust inside the cabinets. There would be no trees or decoration and Titus was even forbidden to build any snowman in the garden. Tiberius seemed to have a special sixth sense to know when he was doing something related to Christmas. His head would appear in one of the upper floor windows and he would bark for his brother to stop singing carols, or use the muggle Christmas lights he fond in the attic to decorate the garden.
Ironically, Tiberius would make sure every Christmas he would deliver in person a present to Titus. The first years he would open the presents with excitement, always imagining it would be the items he had been mentioning here and there as hints to his brother to decipher. But now he had learned not to expect anything from Tiberius. His gifts were the most disappointing ones someone could ever imagine: a book about the most famous magical treats made in history, a pair of old fashioned shoes, an umbrella, a bow to wear on his gowns, a comb for his hair, a handkerchief to clean his glasses…
Titus had written to his brother asking if he could spend his Christmas at Hogwarts this year. He had heard some students comment how pleasant it was. But Tiberius had refused, saying it was a holiday for the family and besides he was counting with him to keep Phyllida some company. Titus wondered if his brother dated the red haired witch. If so, she was a fool, because Tiberius, in the young wizard's opinion, had no room in his heart to love anyone but himself. Or maybe Tiberius didn't have a heart at all.
Titus walked slowly to the grounds for his Herbology class, a few steps away from the trio that was constituted by Valeria, Petula and Anton. At least this year he would receive something new and probably better than any of Tiberius' presents due to the school's Secret Santa. He thought it was a good deal to buy a present to someone and receive another one in return. The name he drawn had been of a professor he did not know named Kissy Weatherby. However after some information he learned the teacher taught DADA to the older years.
Titus bought her a watch, a similar one to a model that he had seen many times in his mother's abandoned jewelry box, when he used to go to her room and admire its treasures, until the day Tiberius caught him doing so. He had picked him by his ear and taken him away from the elegant division, yelling. The next day all the jewels were gone, probably sent to a vault at Gringotts and the bedroom locked.
Titus let go a loud sigh as the group of Slytherins entered the greenhouse. At least now he was going to have Herbology which was his favorite subject. Not that plants were particularly fascinating him, but the subject didn't require any wand work, or the many dates and facts to memorize like history of magic. It also did not matter you did not cut the plants perfectly like in potions where a single mistake could ruin the whole solution. It was the subject that gave him less work, and therefore the one he liked the most.
Confidence
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 03-11-13 18:06
Professor McGonagall stood up and walked to the window. Night had fallen several hours ago. She could not see anything beyond the window pane, where falling snowflakes drifted past, some landing on the narrow ledge where glass met stone. She touched her fingers to the glass and held them there for as long as she could stand the cold.
"What troubles you, Minerva?"
She dropped her hand to her side and turned her head toward Dumbledore's portrait. He was awake and regarded her over the rims of his half-moon spectacles.
"I fear I am not fit for this position, Albus," she said, moving away from the window and the cold that breached the glass. "Rita Skeeter is at war with the staff. The Board of Governors grow increasingly concerned." She threw her gaze onto the letter from Cloris Mockridge open on her desk and still unanswered.
"I'm not you, Albus. You, who protected us all." She turned her eyes onto his portrait again and awaited his advice, which came ever so infrequently these days because he appeared to have taken on the persona of a cat. He slept more often than not.
Professor Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "You do not need to be me, and I know from experience that you are more than capable of holding your own, Minerva. You are doing fine. Don't let Rita Skeeter or the Board of Governors discourage you."
"But, Albus––"
He shook his head. "No, Minerva. I wouldn't have made you my Deputy if I didn't think you could follow in my footsteps."
He leaned back in his armchair and let his eyes fall shut. "No more worries, Minerva. It's the Christmas season, after all."
She stared at him for a long moment and then murmured, "Thank you."
Professor McGonagall returned to her desk to finish her correspondences, which she accomplished in time for supper. Her mood had greatly improved by the time she entered the Great Hall. As she walked up the central aisle, her eyes fell upon Basil Wynbourne. She had drawn his name for the Hogwarts Secret Santa gift exchange.
For Basil, Minerva had decided to go the simple route. She'd picked up a giant mug and filled it with white chocolate and caramel truffles. The truffles were delicious, but Minerva liked the mug as well. It was extra large and could hold soup or an obscene amount of ice cream. She had deliberately picked one with a green interior, rather than the other color options (which had included red, blue and yellow). Basil being a Slytherin might appreciate the green, but he was a seventh year and wouldn't be at Hogwarts for all that much longer. The mug wasn't blatantly Slytherin and could definitely be used post-Hogwarts too.
Professor McGonagall continued to the High Table and sat down in Dumbledore's old chair, which she knew was rightfully hers now. She reminded herself that Dumbledore wanted her in his old seat and had confidence in her, even now as just a figure in a portrait. Minerva looked out at her students and decided that other than a few hiccups thanks to a no-good reporter, the first half of the school year had gone quite well.
Wrapping A Gift (AJ)
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 03-11-13 20:32
AJ had been about to call it a day when a knock on his door has him calling come in. As he isn't expecting anyone he has the fleeting thought it's a student with a quick question because of an exam later in the week. He's a little surprised when the door opens to reveal Mariposa. It's only as he's rising to move from behind his desk, a greeting on his lips that he sees she's got a somewhat large box floating along behind her. The happy greetings he'd been in the process of getting out abruptly morphs into, "It came!"
Mariposa jokes, "How did you know?"
The box fully inside his office Mariposa shuts the door, saying as she does, "I was going to wrap it but then thought you might want to see it for yourself first."
"Great!" AJ pulls out a tab on the box top, the first step in opening the box without ripping into it. "You brought wrapping paper?"
"No, because I know you have some here."
"What do you mean?"
Mariposa quirks a smile, one eyebrow slightly arching. "I am fully aware you have wrapped some gifts here you don't want me to see."
AJ is about to proclaim he has no idea what she means but as that would then mean finding someone to borrow some from or getting some from home, both of which seem to be a lot of trouble when he does, in fact, have some here in the office. Flipping the top flap of the box open he straightens and turns, walking over to reach into the space created by a armoire looking cabinet that doesn't sit flush with the corner.
Mariposa shoots him a smug smile but doesn't say anything as he hands her the two rolls of paper then reaches for the spellotape. Before any wrapping of the box commences they finish opening it all the way to pull out its contents. The box gets moved to AJ's desk to clear the space for the beanbag chair. They stand side by side looking at it before Mariposa sits to try it out. Scooching over and patting the spot beside her she encourages, "Come on. Sit."
It's comfortable and both agree it should fit in the space of a dorm room without the need to shrink it down whenever it's not in use. It could probably even be put beneath the bed as the four posters used in the dorms sit well off the floor.
Arm going around Mariposa's shoulders AJ asks, "Do you think Sadie will like it?"
"I like it quite a bit, or as you'd say, it's smashing. I should think Sadie will love it. You do realize something though?"
AJ nods. "If my nieces see it, they'll want their own."
"Your nephews too, just maybe not this particular style."
"What? You don't think the boys would want a chair shaped like red lips?"
AJ's mock shock earns him a light poke in the ribs. He snickers then pushes up, offering a hand to help Mariposa once he's on his feet. "It's actually fairly comfortable. We may have to get one or two for the house."
"I wouldn't mind having one. That catalogue has hammocks as well, doesn't it?"
Looking up from getting the bean bag chair back in its box, AJ nods. "It does."
"We've talked about getting a couple for the backyard. Even though winter is coming on, we could still get them now."
"How about we look at it over dinner? We could pick out chairs of our own, go on and order chairs for the girls. Say, you think Zabrynna might like one?"
"You know, that's a good question. I think she might. I'll put it in the room I'm going to lock her in with Declan."
"Getting tired of watching them dancing around each other, are you?"
"As if you aren't. I know it's not really my business and I shouldn't say or do anything without being asked but ,"
"But she's your sister and you want to see her happy."
"Exactly. Is this going to be enough paper for that size box or should we shrink the box a little?" She's holding up the fatter roll of paper.
"I'm not sure. There may be just enough there."
As it turns out, AJ is almost correct. They need only a couple of inches more. The box ha extra room in it, filled with packing peanuts around the bean bag chair so they reduce the box a tiny bit without having to also shrink the size of the chair. The wrapping done, Mariposa looks through the bows AJ has for one that will go well with the paper. She also selects some ribbon, using her wand to make the ribbon wider and the bow larger.
Leaving his office with box in tow to put under the communal tree in the Common Commons AJ suggests, "As late as it's getting, why don't we just go on and eat in the Great Hall."
"Works for me. I made soup this afternoon but it will actually be better tomorrow."
The rest of the walk to the Commons and then to the Great Hall is spent talking about how the day went for both of them and about putting finishing touches on planning a holiday party similar to the one they'd given the year before.