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New Co-worker
Author: Griffin Price
Date: 04-05-13 19:25
For about the fortieth time in the past hour and a half Emauha Martin's head appears over the top of Griff's cubicle. "You said form 57-X-9-31-B is the one I need or was it 57-X-9-31-D?"
"B."
"Still not been called to testify?"
Rather than snarkily replying that yes, he has and is currently on the stand in one of the courtrooms, Griff suppresses the urge along with stifling a frustrated sigh. He offers her a tight smile. "Not yet."
"How annoying, but you being here has been so helpful. Let me treat you to lunch?"
"Thanks for the offer but I can't."
"You have to eat."
"I have to be available for court."
"Even the trial will break for lunch."
As Emauha has a good point Griff knows he's somewhat cornered but is still reluctant to commit. "If and when I get word on that, then maybe."
He's not exactly sure at what point in the conversation Emauha stopped peering over the low wall at him and came around from her own cubicle. He knows she's just being friendly but since starting on Monday, after a move from New Zealand, he's gotten the distinct impression she's interested in more than being a friendly colleague. She sits without waiting for an invitation, asking as she does, "Why only maybe?"
"There's something I promised my wife I'd take care of. If I can get away, I'd rather go on and do that instead of putting it off until late this afternoon."
"That's right. You're married. I don't know why I keep forgetting that."
"Married and have a son."
Emauha reaches across Griff to pick up a framed photograph. "This is him?"
"Yes, Tristan. He's six."
"He's a cutie. Looks a lot like you."
"You think so? I think he looks more like Carys and like her brother did at that age."
Emauha looks from the picture to Griff, eyes slightly scrunched as if in thought. "You're married to his mother, right?"
"Right."
"But didn't I hear you only got married a few months ago?"
Griff shrugs. "We did things a little backwards."
"Oh, I'm not judging. Just getting my facts straight. I moved here with a friend. Jamal. We were together for two years back home. We move here and two days later he's moving out, gone back home, and moved in with someone else. I'd already lined up this job and was just days from starting so decided to stay."
"Sorry to hear things didn't work out for you two." Griff is saved for the time being when a memo whooshes in at a fast clip, practically smacking him in the face. Scanning the text written in an elegant script he stands. "The summons to testify. I think Darion's around if you need anymore help."
A hasty goodbye and Griff is on his way to the lifts, feeling greatly relieved to avoid lunch, at least for now, with Emauha.
2nd Years after Lunch
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 04-06-13 10:22
After a quick lunch, which he took in the daycare so he could spend time with Lilly, Ethan returned to his classroom for his last class of the day: Gryffindor and Slytherin 2nd years. While he rearranged the desks to make space for the practical lesson he wished to give today, his mind wandered to Nero Noir, a constant thought in his head these days.
He had not seen Nero since that evening in Hogsmeade, but deep down Ethan knew that they would see each other again, whether he wanted to or not. Nero always had a way of worming his way into Ethan's life, and never for the better. The Hogwarts professor had no found memories of their past encounters and dreaded any future meetings between them. It was made all the worse because Ethan worried about Lilly's safety.
He had gone to the Ministry of Magic and spoken with his old contacts in the Auror Office. Since Nero wasn't considered an imminent threat, no action could be taken against him at this time. Ethan was however assured that Nero was on a long list of former Azkaban inmates released under Euphemia Smythe-Jones who were due a second glance in the future. Ethan had already been aware that Nero was pending an investigation but had hoped his case carried a higher priority level. It would seem Ethan would have to remain patient and keep his fingers crossed that Nero kept his distance from him and those he held dear.
Ethan pushed Nero from his mind the moment the first second years entered the classroom. From the state of the room, they knew that they would not be sitting at their desks copying notes. They put their items away with the exception of their wands, which they held in their hands in anticipation of the spell they would practice today.
Once Ethan determined that all of his second years were present, he stepped into the middle of the room and announced, "Last class we discussed charms useful in a pinch when faced with the dark arts or difficult and unexpected situations. Today, we are going practice the Bubble-Head Charm. Who can remind us what this charm does?"
Newly returned to Hogwarts Mildred Campbell raised her hand and explained, "The Bubble-Head Charm is used to help a wizard breathe under water or in other areas where there isn't any oxygen. It creates a bubble around the caster's head."
"Very good," Professor Somerset commended. "Two points to Gryffindor."
He began to pace the room as he described the process for creating the Bubble-Head Charm. If enough of the students successfully cast the charm during the first half of the class period, then he intended on taking them to the swimming pool to practice under water. He had already checked with Viktor to see if there was a conflict and was assured there wouldn't be. Whether the students remembered to bring bathing suits on the chance that they would venture to the pool was another question altogether.
After lecturing, he demonstrated the charm and then had the students practice casting it on themselves.
(Ariella) Post News Break
Author: Beck
Date: 04-06-13 12:30
Ariella hadn't seen the morning paper until after arriving at work. She was insignificant enough at the Ministry of Magic to not draw much attention from other employees, except for those with whom she worked. While there was truth to the Rita Skeeter article, the entire story wasn't quite as salacious as she made it out to be.
Ariella and Lawrence had first started dating before she ever knew that he would be her teacher at Hogwarts. They both knew that they should have put their relationship on hold once they'd discovered that there was a conflict of interest, but they'd both listened to their hearts instead of their heads, which had resulted in Ariella's expulsion and Lawrence's dismissal from Hogwarts.
Rita Skeeter made Lawrence sound like a middle-aged sexual deviant preying on underaged girls. For the record, there was only a couple years difference between them in age, and Ariella had been perfectly legal when they had embarked on their relationship. Those who read the article and then heard Ariella's point of view suddenly found Skeeter's reporting a little misleading, though no less gossip-worthy.
After his morning classes at Hogwarts, Lawrence came to the Ministry of Magic to check on Ariella. She only worked mornings there since starting next week she had classes at St. Emrys beginning at 2 in the afternoon. Today she had an appointment with an advisor. Since Lawrence's Wednesday office hours didn't begin until 2, it worked out for them to have a long lunch together.
They decided to visit the Greek restaurant Zeus. Ariella ordered a kebab and a coffee. The booth in which they sat was away from the main thoroughfare of the restaurant, giving them a little bit of privacy, even when nobody but the wait staff paid them any sort of attention.
"One of my students confronted me about the article," Lawrence said, a frown marring his face.
"What happened?" Ariella asked.
He explained that she simply asked him for the facts. Never was there any indication that she felt concern that she or her classmates might be victimized by any advances made by their Herbology professor. Like Ariella had done to those who'd asked, he'd explained himself and the situation as it had really been, not the way Rita Skeeter had painted it.
"I hope you weren't too hard on her for asking," Ariella murmured. "It's not her fault that reporter wrote those things about us."
"If I was, I didn't mean to be. It's just really upsetting."
"I know, but we both knew this was bound to happen. Rita Skeeter has been after everyone on staff," Ariella reminded him. "It was only a matter of time before she targeted you."
"I know," Lawrence replied with a heavy sigh, "and it's not like we didn't have some idea what she would write about. Still, I wish she hadn't publicized it for the world to know."
Ariella reached over the table and took his hand. "It will blow over soon, I'm sure. Just wait till she goes after the next staff member. Then we'll be all but forgotten."
Lawrence shot her a grim smile. "Maybe, but I don't wish this on anybody else."
"I don't either, but you and I both know somebody else is next. She won't rest until she's written something about every professor at Hogwarts."
Ariella gave his hand a squeeze and suggested they talk about something more pleasant until they both had to go. Their time together passed all too quickly, and soon Lawrence had to return to Hogwarts for his office hours and Ariella made her way to St. Emrys University for her appointment.
(Ramona) New Girl
Author: Griet
Date: 04-06-13 14:34
Ramona sat in Professor Hodfuffer's Ancient Runes class and occasionally took down notes whenever something he said seemed like it might reappear on a quiz later or even on the Ancient Runes OWL exam Ramona was set to take at the end of the school year. It was only the first week of Winter Term, and yet she felt as if she were already in the middle of exam week.
Only yesterday had she met her new roommate, a tiny girl from France named Nana. Nana had spent the day accompanied by a nurse, which raised questions for which no one seemed to have any answers. Ramona had debated asking, but she didn't want to appear rude. It probably wasn't her business anyway.
As prefect and the new girl's classmate, Ramona had done her part to make Nana feel welcome. She'd shown her around and introduced her to some of the others in their house. She'd even told Nana about the various professors so that the newcomer knew what to expect in her classes. She and Ramona shared every class except for their electives, which were all different.
Nana seemed very nice, though a little bit withdrawn. Maybe she was shy and needed time getting used to a new place and new people. Ramona didn't want to overwhelm her with too much information all at once and left her to her own devices the few times they were apart. However, she made it clear that she was always available if Nana needed something or just a friend.
When Ancient Runes ended, Ramona packed up her things and used the fifteen minutes between it and her next class, Arithmancy & Divination, to sit in an alcove and read. Her alcove of choice was occupied, though. Cuddling on the stone bench in front of the beveled window were none other than Sadie and Hunter. Their faces were just inches away from each other, and both had dopey smiles on their faces.
Ramona rolled her eyes and turned away from the couple to find another spot where she could pass the time before class with a good book.
Experiments
Author: Abdul Hazrat AlGunud
Date: 04-06-13 17:04
The corridor was dark, lit only by copper torches that burned with a green flame. Every torch was set in a wall sconce, separated from its neighbors by sufficient distance so as to leave most of the corridor in shadow. The sections illuminated by torches revealed elaborately carved walls and floors paved with marble tiles. Two figures moved side-by-side down the hallway in silence. Passing through shadow and light, they moved steadily and with purpose. Once they passed a side corridor that led down into the inky blackness. Three points of yellowish light, not unlike the gleam of cats eyes, pierced the darkness. It was impossible to see the body of their owner, but there was a vague suggestion of vast, misshapen bulk. Whatever creature the eyes belonged to, it did not venture into the main corridor.
At length, the two figures came to a bronze door set with ornate markings save for a round space in the very center. One of the figures placed his hand over the round space and briefly a light flared around his hand. With the faintest of clicks, the door swung open to reveal a round chamber with a high vaulted ceiling. The walls were hidden by dark velvet tapestries embroidered with images of spiders in silver and gold thread. In the dim light, the images seemed to writhe with a semblance of life.
After the two figures had stepped across the threshold, the door swung closed behind. They moved towards the center of the room, halting at the edge of a pit. The sole source of light was a bronze lamp hung from the apex of the vaulted ceiling. The lamp had been crafted so as to shine directly down into the pit. It illuminated a large grate that covered the opening. The grate was composed of concentric rings that were bisected by radial spokes, not unlike the web of a spider. Below the web, something moved restlessly at the bottom of the pit.
Light. That was what it was called. He stalked back and forth, seeking some shelter from the hated phenomena, but there was none to be had. The light hurt his eyes. Darkness was what he craved, needed. It was his natural environment. To his left, the thing growled. He could feel its unhappiness, knew the cause. But, try as he might, he could not escape the light.
Suddenly, he became aware of activity in the room above. Two robed figures, stood silently observing him. One held a long curved piece of metal in its hand. He stiffened at the sight. He had dreamt that he had once owned a similar piece of metal. Used it for...something. This train of thought was interrupted by a searing pain that enveloped his head. A pair of growls, one to the left of his head and other to the right, signaled displeasure at this recent turn of events. With a snarl, he instinctively leapt toward the source of his pain, seeking rend and kill his tormentor. Unable to reach the edge of the pit, he slid down the stone wall to the bottom. Sprawled on the floor, he became aware sounds. The two figures were conversing.
"Well that was interesting."
"How so?"
"They definitely are married to the flesh."
"We had already ascertained that! I thought you had developed a new test to conduct, no rehash old results!"
"Patience. I had to be sure. A normal transfiguration spell would not have lasted through the spell. Thus, we may safely assume that this some sort of bizarre mutation."
"Perhaps one of the denizens mated with a human?"
"Perhaps."
Leslie In Need Of Advice, Though Not Really
Author: Fionna
Date: 04-06-13 19:13
Fionna's cousin Leslie enters Terrortours heading straight to Fionna's desk without pause. As her cousin is not engaged with a client but is proofreading what might be the pamphlet for a new tour experience Leslie plops down with a might sigh. "I need your advice. Ick. You don't look very smashing today."
"Thank you very much. It's always nice being told I look like shite. Dalton's been sick the past few days. That's made for little sleep at night and having to check in several times a day with the sitter we've had to get. What advice?"
"Remember that married St. Emrys professor?"
"Yes," Fionna thinking this does not sound a very good lead in."
"He wants to renew the affair, set me up in a flat, a somewhat posh one at that."
"And?"
"And I want to know if you think I should accept his offer."
"He's not leaving his wife?"
"No."
"So the affair would be a secret."
"Mostly, yes."
"Do you get to see other people?"
"No, I don't think so. Why?"
"He's still with his wife. He probably has sex with her despite what he might tell you. It hardly seems fair he's got a wife and girlfriend but expects you to be faithful to him."
"Good point. I suppose I could see someone on the side if I wanted and was discreet."
"Discreet meaning he wouldn't find out."
"Correct."
"Even if you were to manage that, why would you be considering the offer?"
"A very nice place to stay for free. An allowance. He's good in bed."
"You'd be a kept woman."
"I realize that."
"And if you did date on the side and he found out, he'd boot you to the curb."
"Most likely."
"You really want to know what I think?"
Leslie's mouth pulls down, eyebrows drawing together. "No, I suppose not."
"To say I think it's a bloody bad idea is an understatement. It demeans you, Leslie, and it condones his actions."
"I knew I shouldn't have said anything."
"That you did tells me you aren't sure you find it as good an offer as you've made it out to be."
"Possibly. Probably."
"Why do you do this?"
"Do what?"
"You know."
"Sleep around? Sleep with married men? Consider being someone's paid on call girl? They make me feel special and important, like I matter. None of the single chaps I've dated make me feel that way."
"Then you've not been dating the right single men."
"Like it's so easy."
"It's not. I never said it was. I hate to run you off but I've a client here to finalize a holiday. If you want to wait, I'm off soon. You can come home and talk while I fix supper, that is if you don't mind a baby whose fussy from being ill."
"I'll wait. Or, I'll wait if Dalton's not contagious."
"If he is, you've now been around me who's been around him."
"Stuff it then. I'll come."
A little later, Fionna followed by Leslie steps from the floo to the house Fionna and Jericho bought last summer, Fionna trying to think of which friends of Jericho's and hers they've not introduced Leslie to yet and of them, which might be good date material.
(Broderick Carter) Downtime
Author: Cai Pembroke Carter
Date: 04-07-13 02:05
My last class had ended at four thirty and after grabbing something quick to eat in the Great Hall and a shower I headed to the Common Commons to spend some time with Driz, who had been one with classes since earlier this afternoon when we'd met here for lunch.
I'd found her sitting with a couple of her housemates working on a study guide for one of her OWLs coming up at the end of the term as professors had already started pushing the work for those examinations - which were greatly important and would allow them into certain courses for the next two years.
"Hey you..." I said, leaning down to drop a quick kiss on her cheek and not interrupt her too much. "I'm going to finish up my muggle studies homework while you finish up here alright?"
She returned the kiss and smiled. "We are nearly done, I'll meet you in our usual spot."
I nodded and headed over to our usual loveseat and flicked on the WWN to one of our favorite stations before settling into my astronomy homework which was nearly done anyway. By the time Driz had finished with her study group, I'd finished with Astronomy and had tucked everything away when Driz set a rather large slice of red velvet cake on the table, and a house elf brought over two mugs of hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top to help drive off some of the lingering chill.
"Thought you might wanna share a little something sweet with me..."
I grinned and drew her down next to me, kissing her chastely as we were in the commons and not hidden in some alcove where we could potentially get away with making out a bit heavier.
"Sounds tempting..." I said spearing a piece of the cake with one of the two forks and savoring the bite.
"I know a few other things that are tempting, but none of them are fit to be discussed here.." She said with a mischievous grin.
"Oh is that so?" I said, slipping my arm around her shoulders and holding her against me while we shared the cake.
"So, tomorrow, lunch here before I have to go to potions or are you meeting your roommates for lunch in the great hall?" I asked her as we sipped the hot chocolate.
"I think I'm meeting them for lunch tomorrow, since my last class ends at the same time as today, quarter past noon."
"Alright then, will see you here after dinner since I'm not done with classes until quarter to five."
"Sounds like a plan, now, the question is what are we going to do this weekend?"
"I've not yet decided and I'm desperately hoping that winter ends soon so that we can spend some time studying on the grounds rather than being cooped up inside."
"I know it, besides, trudging through the snow and cold for Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures is starting to get old."
I chuckled. "I'm quite glade that I'm not taking herbology this year, I did get an outstanding on the OWL, it just isn't something that interests me. Speaking of Herbology, did you see the latest Skeeter piece in The Daily Prophet?"
"Indeed, and my parents aren't sure what to believe. I think my Mum was writing a letter to the Headmistress and is demanding to know if the population of female students are safe from the apparently sex-crazed teacher that they are trusting their students to."
"Professor Masterson doesn't seem that bad and honestly, looking at he and his wife there isn't that much of an age difference between them. But, we can't exactly expect Rita Skeeter to actually write an article that hasn't been blown out of proportion."
Driz nodded and settled herself against him once more, sighing softly and kissing along his neck.
"Behave..." I grinned lightly and pulled her close.
"Aww...behaving is over-rated."
She kissed him lightly and reached for another bite of the red velvet cake.
We passed the rest of the evening in quiet conversation and stolen kisses, before I walked her to the dungeons and Slytherin House and I returned to Gryffindor tower.