|
|
Trial of Edwin Garrow
Author: Carys
Date: 05-08-13 18:19
For most of her testimony, Carys kept her gaze fixed on the high inquisitor of the Wizengamot, though it was hard to ignore the wizard seated parallel to her on the courtroom floor. Edwin Garrow, St. Emrys University's serial killer, was on trial for his crimes. Carys had been called in as witness to recount the time she'd been chased out of the offices of Emrys Everyday and for her discovery of Marcie Haydon's body at the university's Halloween party.
She'd answered all questions to the best of her remembrance, a not-so-simple feat when a great deal of time had passed since the first incident. Even the more recent event seemed somewhat of a distant memory. So much had happened all at once after she'd slipped on the blood on the floor at the party.
Every time she spoke, Carys could feel Edwin's gaze boring into her. It made her feel uncomfortable, even though he could do her no harm. She wondered if he blamed her for ending his killing streak. After all, if she'd not slipped on Marcie's blood at the party, then the chain of events that had led to his eventual capture never would have started.
"Thank you, Mrs. Hanham-Price. We have no further questions."
Carys murmured her own thank you and rose from her seat. She deliberately avoided the suspect's face, sweeping her eyes across the marble flooring instead until she met the bailiff. He led her from the courtroom.
Once the door shut behind her, she shuddered and shut her eyes. Griffin, who had been waiting outside, came to her side and wordlessly touched her arm.
"What a creep!" she finally exclaimed, opening her eyes again. "I could feel his eyes on me the entire time. I don't know if it was because he's a sick pervert or a sick psycho."
"Other than that, did it go okay?" He looped his arm through hers and led her down the hall.
"I think so," Carys said. "They didn't ask me anything that took me by surprise. I just gave the facts as I remembered them and that was that."
"And now it's behind you," Griffin said.
"Finally!" Carys exclaimed. "I hope they lock him up for a really long time."
"I don't doubt they will," Griffin replied, "when they are finished questioning all the witnesses."
He led her to the bank of lifts. "Do you want to eat something before you go?"
Carys had classes at St. Emrys and had already skipped one because she had to be in court. "I am surprisingly famished, and I'm all right with going to the canteen unless you want to eat out somewhere."
"Let's see what they are serving today and then decide," Griff suggested.
"Good plan."
Not Going For Lunch After All
Author: Jared
Date: 05-08-13 18:49
Since just after Christmas Jared has been paying close attention to any interest Alanna gave to what could potentially be a Valentine's gift. In addition to the gift wrapped present she'll receive during dinner at one of her favorite restaurants where he'd made a reservation, Alanna will be getting not so traditional Valentine's flowers. In the morning when Alanna arrives at her desk she'll find a small potted, in bloom, Clerodendrum ugandense, also known as the blue glorybower and as the blue butterfly bush.
The blue butterfly bush is so named because its flowers resembled a two-toned butterfly. Jared had located one with the help of Botanicals & Beyond in Hogsmeade. Muggle versions grow into tall, sprawling shrubs. Alanna's will grow more but is a miniaturized version. Additionally, Muggle Clerodendrum ugandense bloom in from summer to fall. This one will bloom year around if desired.
Flipping through a stack of parchment looking for one in particular, Jared locates it as he wonders whether he should quadruple check that the dinner reservation is in place. He hand delivers the parchment to his immediate boss, at least for the rest of this week. Jared's been being rotated through the Department of Magical Games and Sports for the last several months. He graduates at the end of Trinity Term and has been assured he'll be place more permanently after that.
After returning the rest of that parchment stack to a file and then the file to the cabinet in which it belongs, Jared returns to his desk, his mind going again to making sure the reservation is as it should be. He'll go by before getting lunch. Thinking of lunch has Jared checking the clock. By the time he finishes going over some submitted forms then sending those forms along to the next stop on their way through the department's version of bureaucratic red tape it will be time for him to clock out for lunch.
Completed forms in hand, Jared puts them in a large manila type envelope to drop into a community type out box. Just as he's getting up from his desk his name is questioningly spoken, "Jared Wynbourne?"
Jared nods at the man standing in the small office he shares with a few others. "Yes, how may I help you?"
"I'm Office Patrick with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I need you to come with me."
Puzzled, Jared asks, "Is something wrong?"
"Will you come willingly?"
"Yes, of course, but why?"
"I also need to take your wand."
"What?"
"Your wand. Please hand it over."
Now even more confused, Jared does as requested. Office Patrick indicates Jared should walk ahead of him. Once in the hallway on the way to the nearest bank of lifts Jared says, "You can at least tell me what this is about."
"We just need you to answer a few questions, Mr. Wynbourne."
"That requires turning over my wand?"
"Questions about a sexual assault."
"I still don't ," Jared's voice trails off, the implications of what the hit wizard has said sinking in. The officer took his wand because for some insane reason Jared is thought to be a suspect.
(Cameron) Birthday and Valentine's Day
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 05-08-13 19:37
Ever Fire had been home for just over a week, and she was already setting up a routine for herself. She was a hungry little thing, and a wild little fireball, not yet falling into a sleeping routine or rather falling into a routine that had her up every four hours demanding food.
With Ember breast feeding it made things exhausting for her until we'd gotten the breast pump set up and there were bottles made in the ice box so that I could feed her and let Ember sleep through some of the feedings overnight.
Yesterday had been Ember's birthday and we'd celebrated with Ever's first outing to meet her Aunts and Uncles at Fal and Etch's. Everyone had cooed over her and she'd been surprisingly well-behaved for the little spitfire she was turning out to be.
At the moment, I was currently planning a special Valentine's Day for Ember. My mom would be helping with the care of Ever Fire while we went to dinner at a quiet little muggle restaurant that I'd gotten us reservations to, and then we'd be going to see a play (provided that they could manage it).
"Ember." Kisses her lightly, after shifting Ever Fire off her mother's chest and holding her lightly so as to not wake the sleeping infant.
"Mum's gonna watch Ever tomorrow, I've something special planned for you tomorrow.." He smiled lightly, as she woke up slowly. "But, for now, I am thinking we start dinner. I'm gonna put Evie into her crib, and hopefully, she will sleep for a little while longer."
Ember shifted, pushing herself up off the couch and smiled at her boyfriend. "I'll start on something simple for dinner sweetie."
In the meantime I turned my attention to putting the sleeping infant into her crib and set the monitor so that we could hear her when she began waking for her next feeding. Once I was satisfied that Ever was still asleep, I head back into the kitchen into the kitchen and help Ember with the rest of dinner: steak, herbed potatoes and salad.
Ten Days of Hell
Author: Rylee
Date: 05-08-13 21:24
Ever since the match against Ravenclaw where Slytherin had lost again, my days had been full of a variety of things other than the usual classes and meals in the Great Hall. However, by the third day I'd started taking my meals in the Common Commons and I hated not being able to be around my housemates - then again my housemates have no desire to be around me.
In the past few days my shampoo had been dyed six different colors, which of course got me laughed at each time I'd taken off my cap between classes. I'd started wearing a scarf, especially after my hair had been dyed a horribly putrid shade of green that was more qualified to be upon the skin of a zombie in a Muggle horror movie.
At the moment, I was hidden in my room, curtains drawn on my bed and I was attempting to figure out if it would worth it to show my face for the next week or so, or if I should simply allow their frustrations to be worked out. I was also considering writing to the Ministry for protection against my housemates, but knowing my luck I would get a former Slytherin student who would be just as cruel as my current housemates.
At this rate, no matter my score on my Potions OWL my fifth year, I will -never- be allowed to step foot into Professor Snape's NEWT Potions course ever. After this, I probably would have to drop Professor Quigley's astronomy class after my OWLs as well because she probably won't let me be in her class either unless I can some how redeem myself.
A quick spell and I began working on my homework assignments, deciding to not leave my room this afternoon, this evening or at any point until tomorrow morning. I'd gotten a letter from my parents saying that they would not be able to make it to Parent's Day, which was coming up later in the month. The crumpled parchment currently resided on the foot of my bed, and I was not entirely sure how to answer their letter.
This year was seriously starting to suck, and I was more than ready for the year to be done and over with - though if Slytherin didn't win the House Cup, it would only be a nightmare coming back and being the reason that Slytherin lost the house cup because I couldn't catch a snitch in a single Quidditch match.
Plans - Mockridge Townhouse
Author: Nephele Mockridge
Date: 05-09-13 20:06
Nephele glanced over the report that Bexley had sent her a copy of. It was just a record of her testimony during their official interview, which Blaise had also received a copy of. Given that it was a former Slytherin, one she'd known during her years at Hogwarts, both of them had been more content to let Bex handle things without making it complicated. Her eyes turned toward a more personal note and a small little smile spread across her lips before she picked up Valeria's thank you note, raving about the rather large pile of birthday gifts that had arrived with the morning post at Hogwarts.
The date with Pippin had been interesting. Dinner had been fun, more fun than she'd had in quite awhile. They hadn't seen many people that they knew, though she was certain both of their mothers had already heard that they'd been spotted together and that it did not look like business. But strangely, she didn't mind. He made her laugh, and she genuinely enjoyed his company. If their mothers were already pondering the perfect pure-blood wedding, well, that was their problem.
It seemed a good distraction from the studying she'd been doing for her final certification exams, so the owl post asking if she was free for dinner again had her bending her rule of saying no to last minute dates. With his case load, last minute would likely be the only way they got to see each other, especially as she prepared to take the tests that would certify her as a Potions Mistress. With Slughorn missing, she'd continued with her plan to apply, and with her glowing reports from before his disappearance, and a word or two from Severus, it hadn't been nearly as difficult as she'd feared to be granted permission to take the tests.
Closing her books, and putting Philantha's journal aside, she got up and headed to her bedroom, wanting to change before Pip arrived, and wanting them both to be gone before Kirley got home. Cass was avoiding them both, and Neph couldn't blame her, not really, but Kirley didn't quite understand it. He'd been rather cranky of late, and his twin suspected he missed their feline friend. But those would all wait for another day, for tonight, she had plans that didn't include family.
After a quick shower, a few hair charms and an effort she'd never admit to, she was ready in a fairly simple dress and sweater, which would have Cloris ranting about her daughter looking like a Muggle, but Neph was pleased with the result, and she hoped that Pippin would be as well.
Plotting Mischief
Author: Valeria Mockridge
Date: 05-09-13 20:54
In the Slytherin Common Room, Valeria was flipping through a book. Perhaps not the most exciting way to end a twelfth birthday, but she liked it. Especially since it was a new book that had arrived with the pile of parcels in the morning post. It was slightly advanced, containing potions that most wouldn't see until their sixth year, but her aunt never minded her reading ahead, and Professor Snape didn't seem to object to the books that she, Petula, Anton and Titus had collected in their small library. He'd even taken the time to answer her questions about countering love potions without asking just what she and her friends might be getting into. He had warned her about the obvious potions, since the counters usually involved the potions themselves and he doubted any of them wanted to accidentally douse themselves with Amorentia or anything of the sort.
A small sound of triumph escaped as the blonde found what she wanted. It was a fairly difficult potion, but it was basically the opposite of Amorentia, and did not involve any of the same ingredients. It didn't appear too far beyond their skills, and so she quickly marked the page and headed off to find Petula, Anton and Titus. Petula had taken it upon herself, after that last Quidditch match, to try and teach Titus the charm to make his glasses impervious to the weather.
"I've got it," she said as she joined the three in the corner they'd claimed and opened the book to show them. "I think we can brew this easily enough, and it doesn't take long, we can probably have it ready for breakfast tomorrow. It'll be much better than charming her shampoo or any of that other nonsense."
Petula's smirk was downright evil. "Didn't you just get some of these ingredients earlier today?" she asked, referring to the mountain of gifts Valeria's family had sent that morning.
"I did, indeed. Grandmother can be so helpful, she always seems to know just when I'll need something," Valeria said. She'd often wondered if Cloris just knew her that well or if there was some Seer somewhere in the Parkinson line. "Pansy was nice enough to send me a map of the Dungeons as well, she thought we might find it useful in finding some of the unused areas of the castle."
The girls' enthusiasm dragged the boys along with them, and soon the four students were in a dusty, abandoned storage room, cauldron on the floor as they all sat around it, working on the potion. It really didn't take long to prepare, but it was tricky for first years, no matter how well one of them had been schooled on the delicate art of potion making. But everything appeared right when they bottled it, making it back to the Common Room just in time for curfew, sharing mischievous grins as they parted ways for the night, each one having a vial of the potion tucked into their robe pockets. After all, why stop with just one target?
Lunch
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 05-10-13 16:50
Neither Rowan nor Beatrix had dates for Valentine's Day, which was just as well, at least as far as Rowan was concerned. Although she had made great strides in adjusting to her new life, she wasn't sure she was ready to add a boyfriend to the mix. There were plenty of good-looking boys at Hogwarts, but Rowan hadn't found anybody who stood out to her yet.
"It's not too late, I suppose," Beatrix said, sliding down into the empty seat next to Rowan at the Ravenclaw table. "Somebody might ask us out before tonight."
"Are you really wanting a Valentine's date?" Rowan asked, lifting half a turkey sandwich from her plate.
"Maybe, maybe not. I guess it depends on who, if anybody, does the asking. Besides," Beatrix went on, running a hand through her newly darker tresses, "I think I have a better chance catching somebody's attention as a brunette."
"I guess we'll see about that," Rowan replied with a grin.
"What kinds of things did Hogwarts do for Valentine's Day back in your day?" Beatrix asked. She wrapped a hand around her tall glass of limeade and pulled it to the edge of the table.
"There might have been a dance in my first year, but I was too young to have a date or care about boys or dancing," Rowan said. "Otherwise, just decorations in the Great Hall."
"Did you ever get any Valentine's Day cards or flowers?"
"No," Rowan replied, "but I wanted one from Logan Meade."
She told Beatrix about her old crush and followed up with how she and Willow had seen him in Diagon Alley before term began. Beatrix found the entire story fascinating and peppered Rowan with "what if" questions, such as "What if he has kids? What if they are here at Hogwarts right now and you don't even know it?"
Rowan had had similar thoughts about him and other children she had known from her first years at Hogwarts. They had all grown up, while she was only just now getting that chance. Sometimes, it unsettled her, but for the most part, she had accepted her unusual life.
"Enough about me and my past," Rowan said. "Let's talk about you and your hair. Why did you decide to dye it brunette?"
"We're all blondes, the five of us, and then the Mickles are red-heads, so I thought brunette might be something completely different," Beatrix said. A thought suddenly occurred to her and she furrowed her brow. "Well, I suppose Paton has brown hair too, but his is lighter than this," she said, fingering a strand of hair.
"Do you like it?"
"It suits you," Rowan admitted, "but maybe I will dye my hair blonde now," she teased, as if it wouldn't do for both of them to have the same hair color.
Beatrix shot her an impish grin. "I can help you with that, you know."
"Should I be concerned that you might turn my hair green like that poor girl from Slytherin House?"
Beatrix laughed. "I'm not that cruel, even if I share the same blood as one Cornelia Vanderbilt."
Rowan had met Cornelia twice––once in Hogsmeade and also at the Hogwarts Career Day––but really only knew her by reputation. Cornelia didn't seem like the sort of witch with whom anybody ought to mess.
"Still, I think I should feel somewhat concerned," Rowan replied jokingly. She polished off her sandwich half and reached for a bowl of tomato bisque soup.
"There's nothing wrong with being cautious," Beatrix said, with a gentle shrug of her shoulders. She winked and then looked around to see if anybody in the Great Hall had the misfortune of a bad haircut or dye job, and Rowan found herself doing the same. She didn't have any more classes and finished her lunch in a leisurely manner, but Beatrix couldn't dawdle for much longer. She had Muggle Studies class soon.
Surprised (Marion)
Author: Saffron
Date: 05-10-13 17:28
Entering the Charms classroom, Marion would rather still be in her warm bed, snuggled under the covers. What would also be nice is if her dog Grover could be here to snuggle with her. At home Grover tends to sleep with her as he's done since a puppy. Knowing a few dogs have been brought to Hogwarts by students Marion had wanted to bring Grover with her. She was told no with the explanation that those other dogs belonging to students had been small, more the size of a cat, Marion hadn't been happy but there was nothing she could do. It's not like she knew any magic to figure out how to shrink Grover down and she knew that suggestion would also be met with a no if she'd asked one of her parents to do it. She misses her dog a great deal but at least her parents promised to bring him to the upcoming Parent's Weekend.
Also promised for Saturday are birthday presents. Marion's thirteenth birthday had been Monday. Her friends each gave her gifts Monday as had Aunt Saffron and Uncle Aaron but from her parents and brothers she'd received cards and one, small token gift. The included letter from Mum had said they'd bring the rest of her gifts when they come on the weekend and they'd have a small party.
"Marion?"
Pausing in the process of removing parchment from her satchel Marion looks left to where fellow Hufflepuff Hubert MacBadger has taken a seat. "Hi, Hubert."
"I just realized I never answered one homework question. Please help."
Leaning his direction she asks, "Which question?"
"Next to the last."
Marion shuffles the parchment she's holding then taps a spot near the bottom of the page. "Right here but don't copy it word for word."
Hubert shakes his head. "I won't. And thanks."
He makes short work of it even though he keeps looking to the doorway through which Professor Flitwick will come. He quickly slides the parchment back to Marion with another, "Thanks."
"Happy to help," Marion truthfully replies. Unlike some, Hubert isn't one forever asking for help or trying to get someone else to do the work.
Professor Flitwick has entered the classroom now but is talking to another student so hasn't yet called class to order. With a little extra time before having to pay attention to the day's lesson Hubert asks, "Going to the Valentine's thing in the Commons?"
"No, though I guess it could be fun going to a special event."
"I hear the food for it will be better than in the Great Hall."
"Are you going to go find out?"
"I don't have anyone to go with." Hubert glances to Flitwick again then back to Marion. "Unless you want to go with me?"
Surprised, Marion doesn't say anything right away. Professor Flitwick takes his usual beginning of class position and the room quickly quiets down. Realizing she can't leave Hubert hanging the entire class period, Marion quietly, tears off a corner of parchment from a sheet on which she'll take any notes for the class, and hastily scribbles Love to. Not wanting to be caught passing a note, Marion has to wait a few minutes for the opportunity to slide it over to Hubert.
A few minutes after that he returns the scrap of parchment with Talk on the way to lunch on the other side. Marion gives a slight nod, her mind now half on the lesson and half on what she might wear since everything from regular clothes to dress robes is acceptable for the Valentine's event in the Commons this evening. With only one more class today, Potions just after lunch, Marion will have time to go through her clothes and talk with friends about what she could borrow from them if needed.