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Homework
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 07-31-13 15:32
My last class had ended at nearly one, and I had only had two appointments, though I was fairly certain that the appointments and the visits to my office would increase as the time drew nearer to OWLs and NEWTs, and last minute issues with the material were ironed out.
I had one class earlier this evening, and had gotten back to the Castle at about six-thirty, and at the moment, instead of going over assignments that I intended on handing back tomorrow I was doing my own homework.
A twenty-six inch parchment assignment for one of my classes that was due on Tuesday was nearly done. Well, at least the first draft anyway, I would probably work on a more refined copy over the weekend, where my only plans were grading papers and Ariella and I had lunch plans at a new little Thai place that we'd both wanted to try.
I'd just finished the final word on the parchment when Ariella came in, and dropped down on the couch.
"You alright?"
"It's been a long day."
"Not so much for me, but I'll be glad when this term at St. Emrys is done and we will both be done with our studies."
I slid my arm around her and pulled her close, brushing a kiss against her cheek.
"Did you get something for dinner before you got home?"
"No, I was hoping my wonderful, charming husband had something cooked for me." She said with a grin, nuzzling into me.
"Hmmm...I'd been working on an essay that's due Tuesday, and putting off grading some papers."
Ariella pouted a bit, and I laughed lightly, kissing her once more.
"Alright, so what are you in the mood for?"
"Surprise me," she said, as she kicked off her shoes and laid out on the couch.
I grinned down at her, bending to kiss her before I slipped into the kitchen.
After about twenty minutes I returned to the couch, nudging her to get some room on the cushions once more. "Dinner is served."
I offered her a plate with a decently, if I do say so myself, cooked steak, veggies, and herbed diced potatoes. "Wine? Butterbeer? Water?"
"Butterbeer."
Two butterbeers later, we were both enjoying a nicely cooked dinner, and relaxing.
"Alright, I've got a test to study for and you have papers to grade for your students." She said, putting the dishes in the sink to be washed.
"Alright, I guess I should do the responsible thing and get those assignments graded."
We both settled down to get our things finished.
Temporarily Delaying A Conversation
Author: Plum
Date: 07-31-13 17:35
"Slow down, Alex," Plum reminds as they reach Delia's Deli and a larger throng of people.
Alex slows to about half speed, which is still faster than he needs to be going navigating around so many people, especially when many of them are laden with parcels. Plum opens her mouth to say something more when Alex breaks free from the throng. For some reason the number of others on the lane is greatly reduced just past Delia's. Further along Diagon Alley, Plum can see the numbers pick up again. Given the time of day she wonders if the size of the crowd near Delia's and the one further down the alley, closer to where The Flour Shoppe is located has anything to do with people starting to think about the evening meal.
Alex has fully crossed over and come to a complete stop in front of Peter Boat's. He's always found the window displays at the rope and twine makers fascinating, more so if Mr. Boat or one of the employees is visible and engaged in one of the steps involved in twine and rope making. Plum gives him a couple of minutes before saying, "Time to go start supper."
Without turning from the window Alex hints, "If we bought it at Delia's, it would already be made."
"You had McMerlin's last night."
"Then maybe Burger Wizarding tonight?" he asks hopefully.
Plum laughs and taps him on the head then points in the direction of the stairs leading up to their flat. "Tonight is spaghetti, remember?"
"Oh yeah! I like pasghetti."
"We're also having warm, buttery, crusty garlic bread and salad."
"Can my salad just be carrots?"
Plum laughs again. "I suppose that can be arranged. Now, do you want runner beans too?"
Alex shakes his head. "Chicken peas."
"Chickpeas."
"That's what I said."
"We won't be having any of it if you can't pull yourself away from Mr. Boat's window."
"Can't I stay?"
"You're still too young to roam Diagon Alley by yourself."
"I'd stay right here." Alex insists.
"I've heard that one before. You are far too curious for your own good."
"I don't know what that means."
"It means that being curious is a good thing but sometimes if a person has too much curiosity, bad things can happen."
"Oh."
They'd been slowly walking back across the street to the stairs that lead to their flat above the Runic Boutique. When a few yards from the bottom step, Alex bounds forward to beat Plum up only to stop on the third step. "Who's that?" he inquires, pointing up to the landing where a shadowed enshrouded figure is seated in front of their door, leaning back against it.
Plum's hand reflexively goes to her wand, tightening around it. "Hello?"
The figure doesn't move. Plum steps in front of Alex and eases up a couple more steps. She again says, "Hello?"
There's no response other than a slight shifting that has the person slumping forward somewhat. Plum goes up another step, listening closely. Hearing a very light snore emitted from the figure, she gestures for Alex to stay where he is while she climbs the rest of the stairs to the landing, her wand out bringing light to the two lamps that flank either side of the door.
Seeing who's sleeping on her stoop, Plum relaxes somewhat. She waves at Alex to come on up as she kneels beside her cousin and gently gives his arm a shake. "Justin, wake up."
It takes another, slightly harder, shake to wake the teen. He groggily rubs his eyes while mumbling, "I don't have an early class today. Let me sleep."
"Justin. It's Plum."
Rubbing his eyes more as he straightens, Justin parrots, "Plum."
"Yes, Plum."
"And Alex," a small voice chimes.
More awake now he gives a small smile. "Plum. Alex. Hi. Sorry. Didn't mean to fall asleep."
Justin pushes back against the door as he comes to a standing position. "Hope you don't mind I dropped by without letting you know first."
Plum reaches past Justin to get the door open then moves so that both Alex and he can enter. Once the door is closed she asks the obvious, "What are you doing here?"
"I was in the neighborhood."
"No sarcasm. You realize a good many people are worried about you?"
"They know I'm gone? I thought I'd have a little more time. I was playing sick."
"I don't know when specifically Aunt Ava arrived but she's been here at least since yesterday morning."
"That was quick."
"Why did you leave school?"
"I just needed to get away for a few days."
The sound of a chair being dragged across the kitchen floor has Plum turning. "Alex, what are you doing?"
"Helping make the pasghetti. I'm hungry."
"You're always hungry."
"Anthony says it's 'cause I'm growing."
Justin says, "If I'm in the way I'll leave."
"You stay right there," Plum orders, walking into the kitchen to start prepping for supper. "Come make yourself useful."
She hands Justin a knife and some of the salad ingredients and asks, "Why didn't you go to Anissa's or Jordan's?"
"Granny would have let my parents know right off. Jordan might have given me a little time but he wouldn't have waited very long to say anything. Besides, I had somewhere lined up for a few days."
"What happened to bring you to me?"
"Things fell through. I didn't want to use up all my money on a hotel."
"You didn't think I'd contact your parents?"
"I did but was hoping you'd give me even more time than Jordan would."
"Why would you think that?"
"Because it's not like you're overly close with Granny or my parents."
"You think that means I would want them to suffer with worry? Also, I have gotten closer to you, your brother and sisters, and parents over the past year or so."
"Less butter on each slice, Alex," Plum says as the six year old attempts to put a mound of butter as big as his hand on one of the garlic bread slices.
"But I like lots."
"There is a big difference between lots and the entire pot of butter on a single slice."
Alex gives the sigh that only children his age who feel much put upon are able to manage but complies. Justin is trying very hard not to laugh out loud, rightly sensing that would be a bad thing.
Keeping one eye on Alex, Plum suggests to her cousin, "How about we get supper made and we can discuss this more while we eat."
Justin's more than happy to put off any discussion of his parents or his grandmother being told where he is. With the lull in the conversation Alex starts filling them in on his day stopping from time to time to stick his tongue out in concentration as he attempts to show moderation in buttering the garlic bread slices.
Extreme Makeover: Wardrobe Edition
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 07-31-13 18:20
Bronwyn had gotten Orion's letter announcing the guardianship of his niece Sagitta and inquiring whether Bron would be willing to go shopping for new clothes for the girl. As Bronwyn was never one to turn down the occasion to shop, she of course said yes. She met Fallon and Sagitta in front of the Westfield Shopping Centre, where she had already mapped out which stores they should visit and which order.
The poor child was dressed in the most somber of clothes––dark, frumpy, and terribly old-fashioned. Bronwyn knew she had a big job ahead of her, one she also relished in taking on.
She hugged Fallon and then held out her hand to Sagitta, not sure how the young girl would react to hugging someone she didn't know.
"Hi, I'm Bronwyn. I'm your aunt Desi's best friend."
"Hi," Sagitta said, tentatively taking Bron's hand.
"It's nice to meet you. Are you ready to go in?"
Sagitta wasn't sure, since she had never been inside a gigantic Muggle shopping mall.
Fallon said encouragingly, "It's all right. Bronwyn is sort of an expert in clothes. She'll find you the perfect things to wear."
"And maybe another day we'll visit some wizarding shops for new robes," Bronwyn added.
The three walked into the building, with Bronwyn leading the way to the first store on the agenda. The mannequins in the window wore summer dresses in bright colors. Bronwyn went straight to the rack with the dresses on display and held several up to Sagitta.
"This one, and this one…" she said, hanging over her arm the ones Sagitta should try on.
When Bronwyn had an armful, she ushered Sagitta into a dressing room. "Let us know if you need help," she said.
Sagitta nodded her head and then closed the dressing room door. While she changed into the first of the dresses, a bright yellow, cotton dress with cap sleeves and a rosette on one hip, Bronwyn and Fallon shot the breeze.
"How do you think Arley is celebrating his big day?" Bronwyn asked.
"Probably with Seb," Fallon said. "Will you go to the party this weekend?"
"Wouldn't miss it! Toby doesn't have a game, so it will all work out perfectly."
The door to the dressing room opened and Sagitta stepped out, looking adorable, yet somewhat awkward in the unfamiliar dress.
"I like it!" Bronwyn exclaimed, while Fallon nodded her head and gave Sagitta a thumbs up.
Sagitta tried on all the outfits, and then Bronwyn had her pick out the ones she liked the best. After paying for their purchases, they moved on to the next store and then the next. By the time it was all said and done, Sagitta had an entirely new wardrobe consisting of all the staples a girl needed.
Birthday Remembrance
Author: Arlington J Montgomery
Date: 07-31-13 19:56
Sebastian crept over to Arley's side of the bed and cast sonorous on himself. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARLINGTON!" He grinned when Arley shot awake out of bed, nearly falling on the floor.
"Geeze, Seb. You nearly gave me a heart attack!" He couldn't help but laugh as he pulled his partner back into bad beside him.
"I can not help it. I've loved waking you up on special occasions with that spell ever since we went to Hogwarts." He cuddled back into Arley's arms and tried to stifle a yawn.
"I know, but it is my birthday, can't we sleep in for once?"
Seb nodded, he had forgotten it was only five in the morning, Arley deserved to start his birthday the way he wanted.
~~~
The boys enjoyed some quiet time until dinner, which included Seb presenting Arley with several lavish gifts.
"Honey, this is way too much. We talked about this…"
"I know, Arley, but you do deserve them. I know this day can be…difficult?"
Arley drew in a shaky breath, the emotions quickly overtook him. Every year on his birthday he couldn't help but remember the woman who had given him life, his mother. The pain of her loss still cut him like a dagger. He had been lucky to suppress his nightmares for the last few months, and he hadn't had a major breakdown since Desi had to come calm him down.
A light poke in the ribs brought him back to reality as Seb looked him over, "You are starting to brood, Arley. Please don't."
He laced his fingers of his only hand through Sebastian's and turned to kiss him. "I won't, I just miss her is all."
"I can understand, in a way. I imagine she was a wonderful woman, she's why you and Fallon turned out so perfect."
"I sure ain't perfect, and don't even get me started on my sister!" Arley teased. He knew Seb meant what he had said, he and Fallon were lucky to have turned out like their mother and not their father. James Montgomery still sat in prison, but Arley couldn't shake the feeling something was about to happen regarding the man.
"Now, we are going to dinner, Mr. Montgomery."
"Lead the way Mr. Sjöblom."
Summer Plans In The Making
Author: Adina Blackwood
Date: 08-01-13 19:09
Fingers slipped through my hair, after a few moments, I stepped out of the Forbidden Forest where I usually ran. I offered a nod to Hagrid who had been keeping guard and I'd run with Fang for a little while earlier. I was running less and less, thing were settling finally, and I think part of it was because I'd gotten a letter from my mom saying that her and the guy she'd been dating were getting married this summer, so there would be a wedding for me to go to. He also had a daughter that was my age, and apparently would be going to Hogwarts next year. I hadn't had a chance to meet her yet, and I'd bee meeting her on the next Hogsmeade trip.
I would also be going to another wedding, though that one wouldn't be happening until Christmas Holiday when my Dad married his girlfriend and I would get the joys of having step-siblings. His girlfriend, soon to be wife had a nine year old girl, and a seven year old boy. Athena and Demitri were nice enough, I'd written to them every now and then and they were looking forward to meeting me when I came to Greece this summer while my mom and her boyfriend Carter were on their honeymoon.
Trainers crunching over the grass as I made it back to the castle with plenty of time to take a shower before dinner. I still had to figure out what I was wearing to the Spring Social tomorrow when Arthur and I went, he was coming with me to both weddings. My Dad even said that Arthur could come to Greece this year, and that was a plus, now we were just trying to work with his parents to agree.
After my shower, I dropped onto the stairs in front of the Great Hall and flipped open my stationary pad, and quickly started penning a letter to my Dad. I needed to plan a few things out for this summer, and make sure that he wasn't planning on changing his mind about Arthur coming with me to stay this summer. I was already planning on showing my some of my favorite spots, and introducing him to my new step-siblings.
"Knut for your thoughts babe."
Arthur said a he dropped down next to me.
"Just writing a letter to my Dad, so I can owl it off and make sure that everything is still on for this summer." She said nudging him lightly.
"Awesome."
He said with a smile.
"So, you up to seeing all my favorite spots in Greece this summer?"
"Yup. However, right now, I'm looking forward to seeing what's for dinner."
Glad To Have Professor Weasley For Potions (Devon)
Author: Christopher Chant
Date: 08-01-13 19:16
Devon bends over her Potions textbook, peering closely at the potion recipe, flipping the page back and forth, wishing the recipe were contained all on the same page or at least if split between pages that those pages were side by side. She keeps feeling like she's got pages stuck together and she's reading part of another recipe. It's making her nervous to the point she's checked so many times she know she's behind where she should be at this point.
Satisfied for the time being that she's where she should be and on the correct set of instructions, Devon checks the potion bubbling in her cauldron, stirring it four times counterclockwise. The potion slowly changes from a pale carmally yellow brown to a darker, sort of chocolate brown, just as it should.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Devon adds the carefully measured powdered wormwood, slowly stirring clockwise seven times, keeping an eye on the thermometer. While waiting for the potion to reach the correct temperature, Devon chops the large puffball mushroom that goes into the cauldron next. If she's done things properly, when she adds the mushroom, the potion will change from chocolate brown to a bright rusty red.
To Devon's dismay, the addition of the puffball mushroom has the potion turning a vivid sunny yellow. Professor Snape moves into her field of vision just then, his rage at her mistake evident. She scrambles to figure out her mistake but having Snape's wrath aimed at her makes it impossible to think clearly. Opening her mouth to stammer an apology and a promise to fix it, Devon finds no sound will come out.
Bolting up in her bed, it takes Devon a moment to realize she's in her dorm room in Hufflepuff House. With only one Friday class, Fitness & Athletics, which isn't until after lunch, Devon had come here after breakfast to get a little studying done. She must have fallen back asleep. Not generally prone to nightmares, she has no idea why she'd dream about being in Potions with Professor Snape instead of Professor Weasley. As she generally does passably well in Potions, she has to wonder if it was coming across Professor Snape in a hallway before breakfast ripping into a student. Devon has heard many stories of Professor Snape but that was the first time she'd seen his nasty side in full force.
Moving off her bed with the thought of going to the Common Commons, Devon very much hopes that Professor Snape no longer teaches the upper forms by the time she's a fifth year.
(Jasmine Serano) Success!
Author: Xiomara Sofia Serano
Date: 08-02-13 05:28
Time had passed since I'd ended up in St. Mungo's and thankfully the burns had healed, and my punishment had ended. Ultimately the restrictions placed on me had been lifted and once again I'd been allowed the run of the house when I desired it, and could slip beneath the ever watchful eye of Alexander.
I had managed to get the potion done, and held it in my hand as I stood before the painting in the attic. My friend still tucked within, where he'd been for ages now, and ultimately it would be up to me, using a stranger's wand a second time to attempt to free him from his oil on canvas prison.
Was I having second thoughts for using magic underaged, no, in truth, it hadn't crossed my mind. All I wanted was my friend out of his painting to play with me like he promised. Did I know that I was little more than a pawn in his ultimate end game? No. Would I know that soon enough, yes, yes I would.
I bit my lip as I looked over the instructions on how to undo this curse that had been placed upon him. Carefully I worked on covering the surface of the portrait with the potion that I'd created. It had turned the right color, which meant that I'd done it right, even with using someone else's wand to create it.
The wand in question was resting beside me, waiting for me to pick it up and cast the necessary spell to release him from the painting.
I'd been practicing the words, they no longer sounded strange and clunky on my tongue. They sounded smooth, effortless, like they should be, like they would need to be when I spoke them. I could not stutter, I could not falter or all would be done in vain because the spell combined with the potion would not work. Turning my attention to the book, I knew I had a handful of moments before I could cast the spell, because the potion needed to set, and work its way into the fibers of the painting.
Finally, it was time for me to cast the spell. Taking a deep breath, I lifted the wand and began the incantation. The ancient words sliding free of my lips as I flick the wand in the required motions, sparks fly free of the wand, illuminate the little corner of the attic in bright, phosphorescent light as the sparks sought the potion covered portrait.
A flash of bright, blinding light and the portrait was gone. A pile of ash at the feet of the handsome man that had once occupied its contents.
"Very well done my little friend. Thank you very much for helping me get out of that painting."
I beamed up at the man, quite pleased that I'd managed to follow the ancient instructions within the tome. It was perfect.
"You are still going to play with me aren't you? You promised!"
He laughed and patted me on the head. "Yes, yes I am sweet one. but, I've a question for you...how would you like to go on a trip hmm?"
I pondered a moment. "I won't get in trouble will I?"
"No, of course not. So, do you want to go on a trip to a very special place?"
I nodded my head quickly. "Yes! Please!"
With that, we were gone, side-along apparation from the attic. We stood now in front of a house, in a city I did not recognize. I wondered what we would be doing here.
(Ash) Return to Self
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 08-02-13 16:50
Ash Westwick sat on a bench in the backyard of Cyrus and Elgiva Finch and listened to a pair of birds chirping in the yellow-leaved Ginkgo tree along the fenceline. He felt the sun on his face and a light breeze that was neither warm nor cold. Experiencing the simple things in life, like basking in nature, were things he had missed for nearly twenty-seven years.
It had come as a shock to find himself a human again, but it had been an even greater shock to learn that the world had gone on without him. He had missed a good portion of his life, even if his body hadn't aged at all and he could simply pick up where he'd left off. Maybe he could, but Ash felt somewhat overwhelmed about the passing of time. So much had happened while he'd been trapped in the nesting doll. There was so much to learn.
He was glad that Rowan and Willow were all right, and that his father, who was in Azkaban, was also well. The knowledge that nobody knew the whereabouts of his mother, or if her doll even existed anymore, saddened him, though. He had always been his mother's favorite, and she had been very close to him.
The sliding porch door opened and Elgiva emerged with a tray in her hands. She slipped down on the bench next to Ash and offered him a glass of lemonade.
"Thanks," he said, giving her a genuine smile. He was very grateful for the Finches and all they had done for his sisters.
"You're welcome," Elgiva replied, setting the tray on a small, round table next to the bench and then reaching for her own glass. She took a sip and asked, "So have you decided about tomorrow?"
Ash rubbed his finger over the outside of the glass, which had started to bead with condensation.
"We don't have to go if you think it would be too much for you," Elgiva stated, when Ash didn't immediately respond, "but it might be good for you to see Hogwarts again before term begins next fall. Plus, your sisters will be glad to see you again."
"I'm sure they are expecting me," Ash answered.
He and his sisters had already seen each other, after Professor McGonagall, Headmistress of Hogwarts, had given the girls permission to go home and visit with their long-lost brother. Ash had already gone to Azkaban to see his father, too.
"Yeah, let's go to Hogwarts tomorrow for the… what is it again?" he asked, raising an eyebrow questioningly.
"Spring Social," Elgiva supplied. "Hogwarts has a lot more activities nowadays than it did when you and I were there. The family events are always a lot of fun. I think you'll have a good time tomorrow. We can also talk to some of your professors, if you want."
"Sure," Ash said. It seemed strange to return to Hogwarts and pretend as if the last time he'd been there hadn't been in the 1970s, but if Rowan and Willow could do it, then he supposed he could too.
He took several deep sips of his lemonade, nearly draining the entire tall glass. "Do you think the O.W.L.s I took way back when will suffice for the N.E.W.T. classes I'll take next year?"
"I don't see why not," Elgiva said. "I doubt the exam has changed very much over the years."
"I don't know what my scores are, though," Ash said. "We were cursed before I got my results."
Elgiva furrowed her brow in thought. "Surely there is still a record of your scores. I would think the Wizarding Examination Authority might keep that information. Why don't we ask Professor McGonagall about it tomorrow?"
Ash nodded and finished his lemonade. Elgiva finished hers a few minutes later and then took his glass and returned it with hers to the tray. She got up to carry everything back inside, but paused before she made her way.
"I know there is not much of term left, but would you like me to arrange for a tutor for you? Rowan and Willow had one before they went back to school."
"That would be fine," Ash replied with a nod of his head. "It will help me get back into the swing of things, if nothing else."
Elgiva smiled. "Okay. I'll make the arrangements."
She went back into the house, leaving Ash to his thoughts.
He listened to the birds singing and the leaves waving in the wind, until the call of nature summoned him from the bench. He climbed to his feet and started walking, revealing a limp he hadn't had before the curse.
The bottom of his nesting doll had gotten worn away over time. Thankfully, the damage had only manifested itself in his gait and hadn't caused a deformity to his foot.
Ash limped into the house and slid the porch door shut behind him.