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Lunch with the Girls
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 07-06-13 14:00
Shortly after the break began Dexter and I had gone to India to collect the two girls that would be the start of our family, with the third addition coming toward the middle to end of May or at the latest beginning of June. The trip to India had been wonderful and the girls had been eager, all be it a little unwilling to leave their cousin behind by himself at the orphanage while they soon would be living in their 'forever home.'
It had taken some reassurance, but we had promised the girls that we would show the picture of Ravi, their cousin to Arlington and Sebastian who had been discussing adoption to start their own family.
Mornings were still tricky things, but ultimately Karma Jade, KJ for short had accepted the fact that I would be going up to the castle for work five days a week and some nights they would be coming to the castle for dinner in the Great Hall where they could see the students and people that I worked with.
My morning classes had gone well enough, and I'd headed home for a few moments for lunch with the girls and Dex. We had my lamb curry which was among the girls' favorite meals that I make for lunch or dinner, and very rarely are there leftovers now, and that means I'll probably be making triple the curry at family gatherings from now on.
"Alright girls. Mummy has to go back to the Castle to teach one more class for the day and then she'll be home and maybe we can go to the park, would you like that?"
"YES!"
I smiled lightly and kissed them both, before giving another kiss to Dex and heading slowly back to the castle. I would be quite glad when I didn't feel as big as a house and apparation didn't make me feel like I was going to lose every last thing I'd eaten for the last week by the time we'd reached our destination.
I was swollen and felt as big as a house, and all the while I merely reminded myself that I was quite glad that I was not an elephant and I only had to survive a few more weeks, rather than upwards of another year of pregnancy.
(Esmerelda Helsing) Frustrated
Author: Xiomara Sofia Serano
Date: 07-06-13 17:37
"How could that stupid little brat fail?"
The words echoed off the walls of the house just before a crystal vase smashed against the wall, launched from the blonde woman's fingers.
"Thadeous should be here by now, but that stupid little chit failed and now we have to wait for the potion to be brewed all over again and hope that she can use the wand to cast the spell without it backfiring horribly and putting the little brat in the hospital."
Esmerelda closed her eyes and massaged her temples lightly, the house elf trembling beneath the anger of its Mistress.
"Elsie will get Miss her wine..." The elf vanished and soon enough returned with the glass of wine and the bottle, knowing well that its mistress would go through the entire bottle before the night was done.
"Dinner soon wretched creature, else you will be punished severely."
The elf meeped in fear and within moment vanished and began preparing dinner while the blonde witch paced, drinking the wine straight from the bottle and fighting the urge to fling the heavy, wine filled bottle across the room and staining the wallpaper and the plush white carpet beneath.
"God damn that stupid brat. Why in Merlin's name would Thadeous think that the child could do anything skillfully when she hasn't even begun learning proper magic."
"Esmerelda, are you going to continue pacing and cursing me for a simple mistake that has unfortunately pushed our plans back a few weeks?"
"Yes Thadeous, I am going to do just that. She is a child, and a foolish one at that. She nearly set your painting on fire, and now it is going to be another three weeks before that potion is going to be ready - at least your wand isn't doing her harm right now. If she can manage the major part of the spell without losing a limb, things will be perfect."
Esmerelda walked over to the painting that was connected to the painting in the attic of the Serano estate where Thadeous was currently trapped.
"I just want you here with me Thadeous so we can continue planning our revenge on the foolish little bitch that put you in this situation."
"I know darling, and I will be here soon enough. Just be a bit more patient."
Back to the Usual Routine
Author: Araxie Loren
Date: 07-06-13 18:29
The train ride yesterday was bittersweet, because it was another train ride that my best friend Nichole wasn't on. But, next summer she will be getting her letter to Hogwarts and she'll be on the train with me. It will be the best year ever next year, and hopefully she'll end up sorted into the same house so we can spend all our free time together.
We'd spent the entire break together, and were already making plans for the summer, especially with the epic gifts that I'd gotten from the Easter Egg Hunt that had been held on the castle grounds before break. We'd both be going to three different concerts and there had been meet and greet passes with the concert tickets. Nichole and I were going to get to meet some of the guys on our epic celebrity snog list, and that would make this summer all the better.
"Hey, I think I'm missing something in the notes from class earlier." Aderyn said with a grin as she dropped down across from me at the table in the Great Hall.
"Which class?" I asked, rummaging through my bag and waiting for her answer before fishing out the right notebook.
"Charms and DADA."
"Really Aderyn?" I laughed and pulled out my notebook, grabbing the notes from today's classes and handing it over to her to compare things.
"Yup, missed a few things. Was trying to figure out a few things and I'm debating on planning the rest of my class schedules for the rest of the time that I'm here."
"Really, you are already considering planning the rest of your time at Hogwarts? That's just crazy. I'm not going to worry about adding any more classes until I absolutely have to, which means next year before I leave I will figure out what electives I am going to take. I think the only thing that will remain the same is I'll probably still take Fitness & Athletics."
"I just wanna make sure that I can have things in order to ensure that I've got everything figured out, and ready for my O.W.L and N.E.W.T years. So ultimately I can go ahead and ensure that I can get into the right uni when the time comes."
"Speaking of new classes, are your sisters gonna be taking Alchemy next year since they are going to be eligible for it?"
"I think they both are gonna be taking it. I am considering it when I'm sixth year if it is still being offered. It sounds really awesome and I was talking with the professor on course day even though it really doesn't matter just yet."
"I agree entirely with you, Alchemy seems like it would be an awesome class. Sucks that you've gotta be sixth year to take it though. Oh, you will so have to come to my house this summer and meet my best friend Nichole. She'll be coming to Hogwarts with us next year, and she's so seriously looking forward to it. It only sucks that she's a year younger than me, and couldn't start this year."
"Yeah, that would be awesome. If your friend is like you, I think I'll really like her. We can plan some time together over summer break, maybe invite Wendy."
"That would be seriously awesome. We can have a slumber party and everything. I will owl my aunt later and figure things out."
"Alright. Thanks for letting me copy your notes, I found what I missed earlier today. You are absolutely awesome Araxie!"
With that Aderyn headed over to talk to her sister for a minute, and I turned my attention to my lunch after tucking my notes back into my bag. I didn't have any more classes today, so I will probably get a couple of owls out before I go hang out with Ector in the Ravenclaw commons. I'll probably sketch while he plays Wizarding chess or something. We aren't officially dating, but we hang out a lot since that snog after Valentine's day.
(Orion's Flat, London) A New Term
Author: Orion Howell
Date: 07-06-13 19:16
Orion got out of the shower, pulling on a pair of comfortable pajama pants and a worn t-shirt, both of which would have had his mother having fits had she seen him in them. She thought they were rather Muggle, and thus distasteful, but he found the comfort far outweighed her negative opinion. They were useful in his previous position with the Ministry, an easy way to blend in when pretending to be whatever they needed him to be.
Now he just liked them. And Desi seemed to be rather fond of them as well. Thoughts of his girlfriend made him smile, particularly when he caught sight of some of her clothes that had found their way to his flat and just stayed. He half wondered if he could talk her into just moving in, but he wasn't quite ready to bring it up yet. Not when he was still grateful she hadn't killed him for leaving the Ministry. Her reaction instead had been quite pleasant.
The term at St. Emrys had kept him busy, but they'd still managed to spend some time together, though not as much as he would have liked. Break made it easier, but term had started back up today so he was spending the night alone to get his classes in order. Most of those in his class were heading into the Ministry in some form or another, but they seemed pleased with his teaching and style. Even when it led to more students needing patched up before going to their next classes.
Of course, his new students didn't believe they would need that yet. A slightly malicious smile crossed his face as he thought of how disbelieving they'd appeared during the sessions that day. He couldn't wait until they got through this first week. He'd let them keep their delusions that long. But for now, he needed to get some food and maybe see if his favorite Auror was busy. And maybe not in that order.
Believe What You Will
Author: Jet
Date: 07-06-13 19:18
From the top of the stairs Emerson somewhat gaily calls, "Coming down. Hope you're decent, Jet."
From the small bed he's repositioned with one side against a wall Jet turns a page in the book he's reading. At the barrier Emerson slides a plate of food across. "It hurts my feelings that you never seem pleased to see me, even when I've brought food or am bearing gifts."
When there's still no response from Jet she pulls out her wand and taps it across the palm of one hand. "There are times I think I shall have to Imperius you just to get a hello."
Reaching the end of a chapter Jet shuts the book and tosses it beside him on the bed. "You make it sound as though you've not used it on me already."
"That was work. This would be so you'd make the effort to be sociable."
"It would be meaningless but go ahead. Not like I can stop you."
Emerson slides her wand up a sleeve, lips turning down. "You used to be fun."
"And you used to never come across as mental."
Emerson mocks staggering back, a hand to her heart. Jet gives an almost imperceptible shake of his head then reaches for the book, opening it to where he'd left off. Emerson makes a sound like she's blowing a raspberry. When Jet doesn't look up again she sighs and moves back to the barrier. "You should eat your lunch. You'll need the energy for our session this afternoon."
Eyes still on the book Jet touches a finger to his temple and asks, "When are you finally going to admit that what you want isn't here?"
"But it is. We're nearly there."
"You've been saying that for how long?"
"Seriously. You slept for three days after the last session."
Face screwed up in a combination of disbelief and confusion he gives one rather violent back and forth shake of his head. "You're even more mental than I thought."
Emerson shrugs. "Believe what you will but think about it. You have no calendar. No window. No clock. Nothing by which to mark the time. If I don't indicate time to you, that it's a certain day of the week or a certain hour, how do you know?"
Jet doesn't say anything for a minute before acknowledging, "I don't. But three full days and nothing seemed out of sorts enough for me to notice?"
"It's true."
Jet can't really think of an adequate reply so he shifts gears. "No slip ups by my doppleganger? Nothing that has my parents, Petra and other friends, my employer, others who somewhat know me wondering what the hell is going on?"
Emerson's smile is catty. "I didn't tell you? You've gone on an extended jaunt. It was that or dear Petra was going to have to be dealt with."
"What does that mean?"
"You know what that means." Emerson then explains, "Petra was getting suspicious. I don't want to have corpses scattered about with hit wizards and aurors looking into the deaths and unexplained disappearances can be just as pesky. It was far easier to remove your double take a trip, rock climbing in several locations around the globe to be exact. I should show you the postcards I've gotten."
"Why?"
"Because they're nice postcards."
"You know what I meant."
"It's well known you love rock climbing. Citing a need to take a break after everything, particularly the continued pressure from the Ministry to return to the fold, you gave notice at the Astronomer's Nook, sublet your flat, bid your loved ones goodbye, and left."
Very grudgingly he says, "Thank you for not hurting Petra or my parents."
"You're welcome," Emerson beams, "but keep in mind that's still an option if needed."
She flashes a smile, reminds him again to, "Eat. You'll need it," then humming one of her favorite tunes takes her leave back up the stairs to do whatever it is she when not down here for some reason.
Jet waits until she's been gone a few minutes before rising from the bed, book in one hand. He'd never admit it to Emerson but he was more than a little hungry when she made her appearance with his lunch. Settling at the little table, he opens the book again, thankful she at leasts provides him with something to alleviate the tedium, and starts to eat, trying not to give thought to Emerson's promise of a session later today.
End of a Monday
Author: Sy Tremont
Date: 07-07-13 04:31
The trip to Los Angeles with Madeline had gone quite well. Madeline had a lot of fun in LA, going to see where I'd grown up while she'd been growing up privileged. It had put somethings into perspective for my eleven year old half-sister. I showed her the muggle school that I'd gone to before I was her age. We even went to the Santa Monica pier and hung out muggle style for a little while.
She had come home with a lot of things, because I'd spoiled her while we were out, and we were already planning a trip together for the summer holidays so we could spend even more time together. One of my favorite moments of the trip was when she looked at me and said..."This is better than trips with dad. He was usually too busy to spend more than a couple of hours with me."
"Trips, though few and far between were always with my mom, and we always spent every moment together, doing something fun, trying something new, and eating all sorts of new foods."
Madeline slipped an arm through mine and we had spent some time on the beach on our last day in Los Angeles before we had come back to London.
She'd gone back to Hogwarts the day after we'd come back, and I got ready for my new term at St. Emrys. Things were going well for both of us. I was already planning a care package for her.
This morning had been full of lines, and ultimately first day of classes, that was full of beginning lectures, syllabus points being discussed and things of that nature.
Right now, I was sitting in a quiet wizarding cafe in Wizarding Soho, and going over some of my reading for the term.
"Sylvain Tremont..."
The sound of my actual name, when most people that I know call me Sy, throws me for a minute, and I look up.
"Yes?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, you may not remember me, we met at your father's Memorial...I am Elizabeth Larkin..."
I looked at the blonde woman and attempted to place her from the hundreds I'd met at my father's memorial shortly after I'd come to London.
"Ah, that's right. I remember you now, you'd spoken about my father."
"That's right, I had just wanted to stop and say hello. To see how you are adapting to life in London from Los Angeles?"
"I'm doing quite well actually, and Madeline and I have been getting along well. I'm liking London definitely, it is less hectic at times than the constant hustle and bustle of LA."
We talk for a few moments, and ultimately I end up walking away with a date for this weekend. I've no idea where we are going yet, but I know that I will be spending the evening with a blonde heiress.
(Alexander) A Lost Cause
Author: Mildred
Date: 07-07-13 06:01
"Lately you have been very quiet, my friend," Phineus Grimshaw-Spore commented. "Is it about that magazine of yours again?"
He and Alexander were in the cell they shared. Phineus was on the top of the bunker bed doing the crosswords from The Daily Prophet. It was a new hobby he had find out recently, however Alexander still found it funny the way he would fill the squares with his elaborated handwriting, as if he was writing a letter to the Ministry of Magic.
Lately, Phineus had been visited by not only his daughter but his niece and he seemed to be in a bliss. Alexander was hoping he wouldn't have notice his affairs but it seemed that nothing was missed by his cell mate.
He had to admit he hadn't been very discrete at night, looking at Lucinda Nott's Witch Weekly and flipping the pages until he reached a concrete section that he would read and reread over and over until he knew all the article by heart. The witch and the wizards on the photographs were so tired of Alexander that now they didn't even bother to appear either on the cover or on the article itself.
He started to be concerned, wondering if he was taking this too far but not able to sit quietly and do nothing about this he had written a letter to the only person he trusted and asked him to come for a visit.
Joseph Connell had come as soon as he could, obviously surprised that Alexander had contacted him.
"Is there something wrong with Mildred?" he asked, when they met at the visitation room. Alexander had not written why he wanted Joseph to come and he was somewhat moved when his first concern regarded his daughter.
"No. Mildred is fine," he replied. "I know I wrote to you saying this was an emergency, but I lied. Nothing is wrong. However I needed to see you Joseph, because there is something I want you to look at and I would like to know your opinion. I want to make sure I am not getting paranoid for being locked up for so long…"
Alexander placed the magazine on the table and he pushed it in Joseph's direction. He took his time studying it. He was very meticulous and that was something he appreciated when they used to work together at St. Mungus. Finally he placed the magazine down, and pointed to the center of the cover.
"This is what concerns you, right?"
"Yes. I tried to inform myself about it, but no one here knows anything. They have more important affairs to care for. I need someone on the outside to conduct an investigation for me. I thought about my lawyer first, but Mr. Northman would not believe me. He would say I am imagining things and I am driven by revenge. I thought about contacting my mother in law, but I am not even sure she would appear. You're my only hope."
"Do you really think they would have done such a thing, Alex?" Joseph asked, still looking at the magazine.
"You heard her words when I was arrested. She said this was not over yet."
"It still seems a bit extreme if they actually have done such a thing…" Alexander was about to protest, but Joseph continued: "However, I will do some research and see if I can find anything. I'll send you a letter with the results."
The letter came a week later. Joseph hadn't found any relevant information and he advised Alexander to drop this matter.
But, he continued to obsess with the magazine. Right now he was on his bed looking at it. But he didn't like Phineus' comment and so he closed it and tossed it away, pretending it was a lost cause and that he was done with it. In his mind he was forging a new plan.
Chaos at Dinner
Author: Valeria Mockridge
Date: 07-07-13 06:49
Valeria's fingers were twitching. Petula quickly snatched the other girl's wand and moved it out of reach. "Not in the Great Hall," the brunette muttered when the blonde gave her a mutinous look. Before the break, the blonde had made a point of hexing nearly every Ravenclaw male in her classes, though she'd done it discretely and managed to avoid trouble so far.
The one who had made the mistake of trying to snog her in the Common Commons was often the target for her wrath, but it occasionally spilled over to others, despite Petula's best efforts. It didn't help that Anton only encouraged Valeria, finding amusement in her wicked imagination. First year charms and other spells might not seem so dangerous, but in the hands of an inventive blonde, they certainly became so.
"Then I'll wait until we're leaving," Valeria muttered, her eyes shooting daggers toward the Ravenclaw table.
"Oh, let her go, Pet. Worst that can happen is she'll lose some points or get detention," Anton said. "Since we know she's not daft enough to use one of those spells Mrs. Mockridge taught her." Petula reluctantly gave Valeria back her wand.
"Try not to get us all into detention, hmmm?" she murmured.
Valeria's smile was sinister. "Oh, don't worry. I'll save the hexing for when I won't get caught," she promised. "On the other hand, Grandmother gave me a new Potions book while I was home. It could be promising." She sipped at her pumpkin juice before turning her attention back to her food.
Petula shook her head. This did not bode well. She'd hoped the time at home would cool Valeria's temper, but it seemed just as nasty as it had before they'd left. And there was no telling what would be in that book, Parkinson women could be rather crazy at times. And Valeria was as much a Parkinson as a Mockridge.
If she'd been paying more attention to her cousin, and less to her thoughts, she'd have noticed Valeria quickly palm her wand, a softly murmured Wingardium Leviosa along with a swish and a flick. She did notice a few goblets at the Ravenclaw table levitating, just before they dumped their contents on the boy who'd made such an unfortunate choice, along with a couple of other first years sitting near him.
Working Toward a Breakthrough
Author: Abdul Hazrat AlGunud
Date: 07-07-13 10:54
Silence and shadows pervaded the chamber. The sole source of light was a heavy bronze lamp hanging from the ceiling near the center of the room. It cast a feeble light, barely illuminating the stone shelves that were laden with books, scrolls and glass jars containing orange and green liquids.
The only noise was the rustle of pages being turned and the short, sharp scribbles of quills set against parchment. Two figures sat at a round table laden with stacks of books and loose scrolls, unspeaking. The hushed atmosphere of the chamber was self-enforced and not mandated by some external authority. Nevertheless, it was rigorously maintained. Noise attracted attention. Words could be overheard and used against the speaker. Silence was the safest choice.
As if to reinforce the wisdom of this decision, a sharp cry rent the air. The tone embodied a combination of both pain and fear. It was followed by a plea for mercy that was abruptly cut off. The noises that followed were the sounds of chewing and swallowing, as if some large creature were consuming a meal.
The two figures paused their endeavors to listen. Once the noises had ceased, they traded a grim look. One of the figures uttered one word, laden with meaning:
"Who?"
The only response was a shrug. Then a word came from the other figure.
"Progress?"
Once again the response was a gesture. A book was held-up for examination. It had a gold clasp, embossed with emeralds. It was bound with the hide of some scaled beast.
The rejoinder was a grunt whose meaning could have ranged anywhere from satisfaction to resignation.
The two figures turned their attention once again to the books and scrolls strewn across the table. The same thought crossed both their minds. If they did not soon achieve a break in the investigation, then the investigation would undoubtedly break them.