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(Elliot) Gift Giving
Author: Amanda Reynolds
Date: 04-14-14 12:09
Elliot moved through the corridors of the castle after his Potions class and headed for his dorm room so he could drop off his book; he only had the one class today, which was nice it meant more time to spend with Darren. He was then heading down to the Common Commons where he was to meet with Darren; they were going to exchange gifts.
"Hey!" Darren called when he saw Elliot sitting in a chair. Elliot stood and greeted Darren with a small kiss and a smile. The two sat down in opposite chairs and handed each other their gifts. "I hope you like it."
Darren unwrapped the paper from the box and opened it up. Inside was a Ravenclaw hoodie. "Oh, I love it!" Darren said. "Thank you."
Elliot's box was smaller but wrapped nicely and Elliot took care to open the wrapping paper without tearing it. And he lifted the lid off the box and inside he found a pair of boxers with hearts and XOXOX all over them. Elliot blushed slightly and smiled. "I love them. Thanks."
"You're welcome. You know one of these days you'll have to model them for me."
Elliot chuckled and nodded his head. "That could be fun." He smiled mischievously at Darren and then held out his hand and pulled him into his lap and kissed him. "But for now…I'll keep you right here."
A few minutes passed and Amanda came into the Common Commons and looked around until her eyes fell on Elliot and Darren. "Hi." She smiled.
"Hi. I have a present for you." Elliot said as he leaned down over the arm of his chair and picked up a bag that contained chocolate and other sweets that he knew that Amanda liked.
"Thank you." She said as she looked inside of the bag and pulled out a chocolate and began munching on it as she handed Elliot a card and gift certificate to Briar's Bakery.
"Thanks." Elliot smiled and Amanda leaned down to hug Elliot and while she was down there she kissed Darren on the cheek. "Happy Valentine's Day."
"Happy Valentine's Day." Darren replied and the three sat around talking.
A Revelation
Author: Sophie McCourt
Date: 04-14-14 13:37
"I don't think I will be able to eat anything. I had too much chocolates," Estine declared.
Nevertheless she still sat at Hufflepuff table. Sophie sat next to her, and she started to help herself with some pork chops and vegetables.
"You shouldn't have eaten all your chocolates at once."
"He was so nice in offering them! I didn't want to be rude and save them for later. He might think I think I didn't like them."
"They are chocolates. Who doesn't like chocolates?" Sophie asked.
Estine grinned, agreeing with her. This morning, Caleb had given her friends each a small box with chocolates. He assured to both the girls at least a dozen of times that he had no romantic feelings towards any of them, and that this had been only a friendship gesture. Sophie thought it had been a nice action of his part, and she felt a bit guilty for not getting him anything. Estine ate the chocolates over the day while she exhibited a wide smile for the entire school to see. Sophie didn't really had the notion of how much Caleb's gift mean to her.
"We still have Astronomy today. Can I compare my homework with yours?" Estine asked.
"Of course," Sophie replied.
"Hey, can I take a look at it too?"
Ollie Choate had joined the conversation in a very opportune moment. Sophie assured him that he too could check her homework after dinner, once they went back to the Hufflepuff common room. Lately she had been feeling at ease with Astronomy, thanks to the meetings of the Astronomy club. Professor Jones had given some useful tips during the club meetings that could be applied in class.
Once they were done with their meal, they left the Hufflepuff table. Not far, Caleb was also having dinner at his house table. He nodded when he saw the group, greeting them with his head. Sophie nodded back, but Estine smiled wide and waved. Once they crossed the double doors, Ollie asked if she had any feelings for Caleb. Estine denied so, but there was a shade of red in her cheeks. She was blushing. Sophie looked at her friend in surprise. She had no idea Estine felt that way about Caleb. When had this started?
(Toby) Delusional and Deranged
Author: Beck
Date: 04-14-14 13:41
With it being Valentine's Day and with no match scheduled for the coming weekend, the coach of the Falmouth Falcons decided to end practice early to give the players a chance to enjoy what remained of the day. Most of them beat it out of the locker room quickly, thrilled with the prospect of a free afternoon and evening.
Toby had plans with Bronwyn tonight and knew that she would be happy to see him home early. They had reservations at an Italian place in Muggle Greenwich. The restaurant was within walking distance of their neighborhood. Toby was glad they weren't experiencing ice and snow at the moment, but it was still a bit too cold for a nice evening stroll. Too bad Valentine's Day didn't happen in the spring when it wasn't so blasted cold!
More and more of his teammates departed the locker room until Toby was the only one remaining. Although not normally a neat freak, he got distracted by the disorganization in his gym bag and locker and spent a bit of time sorting through his equipment and uniform pieces. When everything was to his satisfaction, Toby decided to finally hit the showers.
The water beating against his skin felt glorious, especially on his sore muscles. He basked in the heat with his eyes closed, but they flew open when he felt arms encircling his middle. Toby whirled around and backed away so that his back hit the cold tiles of the stall.
Standing in the swirling steam was Maybelle Evans, who was not only stark naked but also looked stark raving mad.
"You don't know how long I've been waiting for this moment, Toby," she said huskily. "I've thought about you every day since I had to go." She cocked her head to the side and said, "Your wife wasn't very nice to me." Then her eyes roved over him, taking in every defined muscle.
Toby covered himself with his hands. "You weren't very nice to my wife," he countered, eyeing the shower curtain behind Maybelle. He tried not to look too hard, but he didn't think she had a wand on her at the moment. He could probably get past her and get his wand before she could reach hers.
"No?" she asked. "I took her for us, Toby, so that we could be together. Isn't that what you want? Don't you want to be with me?"
Maybelle took a step closer to him. As the stall was very small, there wasn't much room left between them. "Kiss me, Toby," she purred, reaching out to run her hands over his chest.
He reached for her hands then and turned her so that it was her back pressed to the cold tile. She moaned in ecstasy, but then Toby released her and rushed from the shower to retrieve his wand. He grabbed it first and then a towel, which he wrapped clumsily around his waist with his one free hand.
Maybelle waited a long moment before she stepped from the shower stall. The water was still running at full blast, creating a cloud of steam below the ceiling of the locker room. She didn't bother covering herself up. She didn't bother collecting her own wand.
"You were supposed to love me!" she exclaimed, looking very deranged. Her wet hair hung around her face like a tangled curtain. "We were going to live happily ever after!" Her voice dropped an octave. "I was prepared to do anything for you."
"Like kidnap and torture my wife."
"You should be thankful I didn't kill her when I had the chance!"
Maybelle suddenly came towards him, the manic look in her eyes changing into one of lust. "Toby, I want you. I need you. Please, take me now!"
He backed up and nearly fell over a bench. "Stop, or I'll have to take you down!" he said, brandishing his wand at her. He held back only because it felt wrong to subdue an unarmed woman who wasn't wearing any clothes, even if she was a raving lunatic who'd harmed his wife.
Maybelle didn't stop, though. She didn't even seem to hear him. She continued to come at him with her arms out, but before she could touch him, his spell hit her squarely in the chest, sending her sprawling backwards.
Toby picked up a clean towel and draped it over Maybelle's unconscious form. Then he contacted the authorities.
Happy Valentine's Day
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 04-14-14 17:00
Tuesdays and Thursday are the days Charlie can be found working at ___ College when St. Emrys is in session. This Thursday is no different and throughout the day there have been reminders that it's Valentine's Day. It's a good thing he hadn't forgotten or first chance he'd gotten today he'd have been scrambling to get something for Hendrika and the kids.
Over a breakfast the kids helped him make, he'd given Hendrika the somewhat clichéd gift of red roses. The kids gave her a mother's bracelet to match the mother's pendant she wears, which has a a birthstone representing each of their birthdays. Also from Charlie was a packet detailing information on the romantic getaway to Vienna that he's booked. Ava, Artie, and Schuyler each received a small box of favorite sweets - jellies for Ava, caramels for Artie, and chocolate covered nuts for Schuyler. When Charlie gets home, he'll have another present that Hendrika and he picked out, one of the young dogs Indigo MacFusty has been looking to place after he helped shut down a puppy mill.
Standing now inside the pet shoppe, Charlie mulls over which of the dog beds to get. Unable to decide he looks to the dog, whose name of Barley may soon be changed. "What do you think?" he asks, putting Barley down so she can nose around the beds he's spread out on the aisle floor. After half a minute she walks into the middle of one, roots it with her nose a few times then turns a circle and lies down. "This one it is," Charlie says, putting the others back on the shelf before scooping up Barley and her bed.
Soon, he's leaving MacFusty's with Barley in a harness on a leash, a bag of dog food, food and water bowls, chews, toys, and the bed clutched under one arm. Charlie's hardly made it through the gate at home when Schuyler, closely followed by Artie come running out the door, rushing to get not to Charlie but to the dog. Ava, who won't be three until the end of May, isn't far behind. The children stop lavishing Barley with attention long enough for Charlie to take her off the leash. Seconds later, the four of them are tumbling around the yard, Barley looking for all the world as if this has been her yard and her kids since her first breath.
Barley's bed goes in the sitting room, her food and the bowls go in the kitchen where Charlie inspects the backdoor. Saturday morning he'll put in a doggy door. After getting home from the two classes she had today, Hendrika was going to put a charm around the fence line to keep Barley from breaking free. Walking back outside, Charlie moves to stand with an arm around Hendrika. "You did the charm on the fence?"
"I did it before picking up Ava. You know how inquisitive she is so if I'd waited, I'd still be answering her questions about what I was doing."
Charlie grins as the thought, well able to imagine Ava's endless whats, whys, wheres, and how comes. After another minute of watching the kids with Barley he says, "Going to tell me what the supper plans are?"
"Not quite yet. You'll know soon enough."
Her smile seems on the sly side to Charlie, making him wonder if Valentine's supper is going to be a Schuyler and Artie production with a little assist from Ava. If that's the case, it will be something along the lines of peanut butter scrambled eggs with a hearty drizzle of chocolate.
Not half an hour later Hendrika's telling the kids to bring the dog inside as it's time to get ready for supper. That the children rush to wash up and change clothes tells Charlie they do indeed know what the plan is for Valentine's dinner. That they're eager to put on clean clothes also tells him they're going out somewhere and not eating in. If they were eating here at home, at least one of the kids would grumble something about not needing to change just to eat right there.
After a moment of worry about leaving Barley alone, the family is out the door, the dog passed out on her new bed from all that hard play outside. Going on foot rather than flooing somewhere or apparating indicates something in the village. As the children are in on this with Hendrika, Charlie's fully expecting Burger Wizard. He doesn't mind Burger Wizard for Valentine's. The main thing is he gets to spend time with his lovely wife and have some family time with the kids in the process.
Much to Charlie's surprise they do not stop upon reaching Burger Wizard, which is just there on the corner as they come up the lane towards the High. As they cross the High he thinks they're going over to the Crown & Cauldron. But, no. They pass that as well. Realization dawns even as he incredulously asks Hendrika, "We're going to ?"
She cuts him off. "Yes."
"You're serious."
"Very. The children have been in love with the decorations. They've been begging to go."
"You were in on this with them instead of them being in the know of your plans."
"Exactly. You should also know they are paying. They've been saving up."
"We'll have to slip in a few galleons in other words."
"Unless the five of us manage to eat for less than 6 galleons, 12 sickles, 9 knuts."
Charlie lightly chuckles, reaching to hold the door into Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shoppe. Even though it's Valentine's and the dinner hour, the place is busier than he thought it might be. Schuyler tugs at Hendrika's sleeve. "Mummy, you made the respirachins?"
"Reservations. Yes, poppet, I did," she assures the not quite 8 year old.
Not twenty seconds later they are being seated at a table, somewhat cramped as all the Madam Puddifoot's tables always are, Ava giggling as a pink crepe swan swims overhead, leaving a shower of heart shaped confetti in its wake. Dinner is a lively affair with the children enchanted and entertained. Cupids flutter, swans glide, love birds flit, and hearts float. There is confetti and glitter in mass profusion. It's all a bit much for Charlie's taste but the children are having a good time and, in turn, Hendrika and he are enjoying the evening. As they are one of the few families in the tea shoppe, from time to time they get odd looks, some of them on the dirty side, from the many couples filling the room. Most of those couples, however, are so enamoured of each other they hardly notice who else is about.
That all changes when the tea shoppe's door bursts open, masked figures flooding in, wands firing. Screaming, people jump up and scatter. Others duck. Without thought, Charlie's grabbing Ava and throwing up their table, shoving her behind it. Hendrika has pulled Artie down. With one arm Charlie is pushing Schuyler down behind the table, while he's got his wand clutched in his other hand returning fire.
Wood and glass explode. Fires start. The screaming gets louder, some screams of terror, others screams of pain. It seems as if hours pass but in reality only minutes have passed. One of the attackers begins yelling about Aurors, Charlie catching sight of Hogsmeade resident, and Auror, Geoffrey Blackwell. He thinks he also sees Tonks, also a Hogsmeade resident, but a haze of smoke from one of the fires obstructs his view.
Some of the attackers retreat through the door, others through the broken windows. Some hasten to the back of Madam Puddifoot's, vanishing into the kitchen. A few remain, taking random shots at whatever moves. An elderly witch prone on the floor not far from Charlie gently shakes an unconscious figure beside her, drawing the attention of one of the remaining attackers. Eyes behind the mask appear gleeful. He, for Charlie is certain that one is male, points his wand. Charlie throws himself at the elderly pair on the floor, his own wand up.
"Enough!" A forceful, feminine voice orders.
The male attacker reluctantly backs away, wand still at the ready. The woman cocks her head, locking eyes with Charlie. "Go," she says to the male. He disapparates on the spot. Before she does the same Adriana says, "Best check your own Valentine's, Charlie, instead of acting the hero for someone else."
Turning, Charlie sees for the first time that Hendrika isn't just using her body to give the children extra shielding. There's blood blossoming across her back. Hurrying to her side, he can see the stake of wood impaling her. The sounds of chaos still reign but now Charlie can clearly hear his children's cries and whimpers. Attempting to reassure them and assess if Ava, Artie, or Schuyler are injured - they aren't - while also seeing to Hendrika, Charlie wonders if he could manage a side along apparation to St. Mungo's with Hendrika and all three children in tow.
Response
Author: Roisin Rae McCray
Date: 04-14-14 17:35
After finding a quiet corner, Roisin unfolded the letter. She hoped for some good news about the ring and the other, more private matter. Instead, she found concern by the lack of a greeting and the immediate severity of the words which were present:
Do not wear it and make sure that whoever is wearing it takes it off! Immediately!
The ring is a Ring of Possession, a terrible item that houses spirits. What kind of spirit, I do not know, but chances are it's not good. The spirit inside will make its way into the wearer and take them over. This will happen slowly and certain changes will happen. If a personality change has not yet been noted then it soon will be. But that's not the worst of it; wearing the ring, even for a small moment, exposes them to the spirit. After taking it off, they will continue to be affected but it won't be as potent.
The note that was found is a warning. I'm guessing from the curiosity of the common mind, that it was given little attention. It can't help your friends now anyway.
What you need to do is wait for the full moon. Place the ring in a bowl of water. Doing this will drown the spirit and it will leave. However, the person who last wore the ring will feel as though they are drowning. Use your friends' reactions to determine when it is over. When it is done, they will return to normal almost immediately and no longer feel like drowning. Those who also wore the ring will have the same feeling of drowning, but it won't be as strong.
Until the full moon, have someone keep it safe, keep it hidden. Roisin, do not let anyone else wear it. And please my dear, I beg of you, damn our nature and don't wear it! You are a McCray and all McCrays are fools when it comes to a hunt for knowledge and experience. Please do not wear it. I don't want you hurt!
My response about your other questions are on the following page.
Rosie shoved the second page in her pocket for another time. The other answers she sought were secondary and could wait, the danger surrounding the ring could not. She located the group and relayed the letter's contents. She passed the letter around for proof and insisted, "We've got to destroy it."
Reasons for Concern
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 04-15-14 18:32
Fridays were generally very easy for Ethan, who had only two classes: back to back third years. What he taught in the first extended hour, he repeated in the second, though sometimes there was variation based on the questions he got––if he got any at all. Some students were more engaged in the lectures than others, but sometimes Ethan encouraged discussion by calling on those who didn't offer up answers very often.
Today's classes were certainly on the more subdued side. News of the events from last night, which had occurred so very close to the school, had reached Hogwarts before dinner even ended. Death Eaters had attacked Madam Puddifoot's, which had been especially busy due to it being Valentine's Day. Some people had died. Others had been injured. Unfortunately, none of the attackers had gotten captured.
Ethan couldn't help but wonder if Hattie, Meadow and Nero had been among the attacking Death Eaters. He supposed he would never know, unless they taunted him about it in another "anonymous" letter. His parents had not been involved, though he had no reason to link them to Adriana Fairchild yet.
After the news of the attack broke, Professor McGonagall called an emergency staff meeting, which most though not all staff members attended. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for tonight.
With Parents Weekend set for Saturday, there was worry over the security of the school. Those in last night's meeting tossed around a number of possibilities, such as cancelling the event entirely or restricting where students and guests could go on campus. Ethan's opinion was to carry on as normal, though he agreed that restricting everyone to certain parts of the castle, such as the Great Hall, the Commons, and maybe the library would be better than allowing everyone to roam the grounds.
Although law enforcement personnel would probably patrol the entire campus, it would be easier on them––even if more were assigned to work at Hogwarts in light of last night's attack––if guests were confined to certain parts of the castle.
Someone suggested confiscating wands at the gate, but Ethan didn't like the idea of adults being sitting ducks if dark wizards launched an attack on the school. He didn't expect the Death Eaters to return so soon after their attack on the tea room, especially when they would have to realize that security would be extra high. Then again, they might surprise him, though hopefully not.
Ethan realized he had ended a thought with a long silence, but few of his students seemed to even notice. He cleared his throat and said, "Right then. Where were we? Ah yes. The Malevolent Mixture…"
No Change
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 04-15-14 18:34
Audrey, Percy's wife, comes around the corner where the nearest lift is located. Seeing her, Ginny breaks off conversation with a friend, who also works here at St. Mungo's, usually in Artifact Accidents.
"What's the latest?" Audrey asks.
Ginny shakes her head. "No change."
Audrey tilts her head towards one of the doors lining this section of corridor. "Charlie still here?"
"He won't leave. Several of us have tried to convince him to go home and take a nap, shower, change clothes, maybe eat a little something but he refuses. One of the nurses was going to give him something from the stockroom but Dad brought him fresh clothes." Ginny refrains from saying that the blood stains on the others were so set by that time she's not sure even the strongest soap with the best cleansing spell is going to get it all out.
"The attack is all the news today. I'm surprised there aren't reporters crowding the hallways here wanting interviews."
"Ron said something about all reporters have been restricted to a waiting room near Admitting. A few have tried to sneak past but it's at least kept the injured and their families from being bombarded with questions."
"Let me guess, Rita Skeeter is one of the sneaks."
"How did you ever guess?"
"That woman is something else." Audrey is well aware of the tension Skeeter created for Ron, Hermione, and Harry during the Triwizard Tournament not to mention that practically everyone in Wizarding Britain knows of Skeeters efforts to tarnish Hogwarts. Adriana Fairchild being a former Hogwarts professors has been part of Skeeter's focus. This newest attack led by her has added fuel to the flame she's kindled.
Ginny nods in agreement, knowing that nothing else needs to be said on that particular subject. "I was thinking of getting some tea or coffee from upstairs. Want to join me?"
Continuing in Ginny's company is much better than waiting alone so Audrey agrees, the two women talking about how Schuyler, Artie, and Ava are doing today as they make their way to the Visitor's Tearoom on the fifth floor.
(Angharad) Chocolate Distractions
Author: Cai Pembroke Carter
Date: 04-16-14 07:31
Yesterday had be a hodgepodge of emotions for the young girl. It had been Valentine's Day last year when an attack had murdered her mother, and this finding out today that there had been another attack on Valentine's Day did little to quell the swirling emotions that filled Angharad.
Perla had gotten her an adorable teddy bear with chocolates, and they were going to be going to a special lunch during the next Hogsmeade visit. She'd gotten Perla daisies that had been magically colored a deep sapphire and a royal purple which were Perla's two favorite colors. Also, she'd gotten her a pendant with a locket that had a picture of them that had been taken over the summer in a muggle photo booth.
Right now, however, Angharad wanted nothing more to erase the images that had been plastered all over the paper about the attack at the Tea Room yesterday. They were less catastrophic than the images of the muggle shop that had been attacked last year, where her mother had died - and she was thankful that the person behind the attacks hadn't sent her another mocking bouquet of roses.
As it was she'd been distracted in classes, and was finding it horribly difficult to focus on her homework assignments for her classes and she had a feeling that she wouldn't be able to focus on the 3 D's that were integral for apparation at tomorrow's lessons.
"Earth to Angharad..."
She blinked, tearing her gaze away from the blurred expanse of her History of Magic textbook she looked up at Perla and offered her a weak smile.
"Hey. Sorry I'm not the best company right now."
"I know, but I figured you could use a pick me up in the form of an extra large chocolate cupcake and some spiced cider."
Perla set the plate with the large cupcake on it on a clear space on the table, as well as two mugs of spiced cider. Then she deposited herself on the couch next to her girlfriend.
"I know yesterday wasn't the best day for you, and I hope that I helped to make it a little bit brighter for you. I am going to make this weekend fantastic for you too - or as much as I can."
The fifth year smiled lightly and pressed a light kiss to her girlfriend's lips before promptly marking her place and closing Angharad's textbook and putting the parchments and things away and pulling the cupcake and mugs of steaming cider closer.
"Homework officially can wait until Sunday. We have parent's weekend and you have an apparation lesson tomorrow, and my parents are bringing us Valentine's gifts when they come tomorrow."
Angharad smiled gently, and kissed her once more, before they began sharing the cupcake and cider, discussing the laziness that they intended to indulge in for the rest of the day today now that it was well after three and both were done with their classes, as well as discussing a few other things which ultimately began to do wonders for dispelling the somewhat melancholic mood that had descended over the older girl.
(Broderick) Friday Night with a Good Book
Author: Cai Pembroke Carter
Date: 04-16-14 07:45
Valentine's Day had been yesterday, and while he was single it hadn't stopped him from getting gifts for each of his sisters, as well as sending a gift to his mother. The four most important women in his life, he'd even sent Driz a box of chocolates as well because while they were no longer together, they were still friends.
Each of his sisters had gotten a bracelet bearing seven charms. One for each member of their family, and another for each of their favorite activities. Cai's had a golden snitch, Aderyn's had a beater bat and bludger, Angharad's had a rune for protection on it since she was absolutely infatuated with Ancient Runes and ancient languages.
For his mother, he'd gotten a matching bracelet and necklace set that was made up of a series of hearts at the center, as well as a box of her favorite chocolates (which was no doubt mirrored by his father), as well as a new bottle of her favorite perfume.
He'd gotten a thank you from his mother this morning for the gifts and he'd been told that gifts for her children would be coming on Saturday when they arrived for parent's weekend. She also told him to advise his sisters to remain safe, especially when out in the village on Hogsmeade trips after the attack that had occurred last evening. Also, he was advised to be there for Angharad if she needed him, as yesterday had also marked the one year anniversary of her mother's death.
After a shower, and dinner in the Great Hall where he'd passed on information to the two siblings that weren't in Gryffindor he'd promptly gone back to the common room and dropped onto one of the sofas - he probably should be in the library studying but right now he simply could not find the effort and instead turned his attention to the book that he was reading just for fun because he needed something non-school related to focus on. He was currently reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman, a muggle author that had been recommended to him.
(Zane) The Next Night
Author: Ella
Date: 04-16-14 17:41
The atmosphere at the abbey was boisterous. Last night's attack in Hogsmeade, although extremely brief, had been a rousing success. The Daily Prophet reported on the casualties and the number of injured, which had not been a small amount. The schmaltzy establishment wasn't very large and had been especially crowded on account of the holiday.
A small part of Zane had hoped to find Ella there, maybe with that simpleton Francis Yao. He would have taken great pleasure in ending the wizard's life and hurting Ella emotionally in the process. Zane still cared for her in his own sadistic way, but she needed to be punished for ruining his plans. If only she had never given up on him in the first place, then he wouldn't have resorted to kidnapping her and manipulating her mind to think she loved him.
"So pensive," remarked Noir, one of the wizards who had taken part in the attack last night. Nero had come out unscathed, as had most of the Death Eaters, including Fairchild herself.
Zane had gotten hit while in the process of leaving after law enforcement stormed the building. He had a nasty gash on his forearm, which was currently covered in a bandage. It stung like mad, but at least it wasn't as painful as it had been last night.
"Thinking about what ifs," Zane replied, accepting the flask Nero held out to him. He took a swig and handed it back to the older wizard. "Thanks."
"I've got a few what ifs, myself," Nero said. "What if the wizard who ruined my life had been there in the village yesterday evening?"
"You would have killed him?" asked Zane.
"Too quick," Nero said, shaking his head. "He deserves so much more than an easy death."
"Torture."
"Of varying kinds and duration," Nero finished, now nodding his head.
Zane grinned. "Sounds like my kind of party."
Nero handed over his flask again. "Cheers."
Feeling Guilty
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 04-16-14 19:24
Arriving at home from checking on Hendrika, and Charlie, at St. Mungo's, Ron shifts Rose's nappy bag from one hand to the other before reaching to open the kitchen door. He stands holding it for Hermoine, who carries the sleeping Rose. "Be sure to feed the cats."
"Like they'd let me forget."
As if on cue Crookshanks and Hero come tearing through the kitchen, meowing loudly and darting in and around Hermione's and Ron's legs. Hermione steps gingerly around them, careful not to jostle Rose overly much. She continues through the house, carrying the baby upstairs. Ron sets the nappy bag down, talking to the cats as he gets their dinners and adds more water to their dish.
When Hermione returns, Ron's putting coffee on. "Would you prefer tea?" he asks.
"Coffee's fine. I was thinking of having a snack."
Neither had eaten much supper but Ron isn't particularly hungry now. As he's not yet said anything in response to her statement Hermoine says, "You should at least have a little something."
"Reading minds now, are you?" he asks with a smile.
She returns his smile. "I know you too well to have to resort to that." After a pause she says with all seriousness, "You can't blame yourself."
"I know."
"Yet you're doing it anyway."
"I can't help it."
Ron had been home last night. Hermione had to work while Ron had the evening free so he spent it with the younger of his two Valentine's, Rose. He was shocked when Tonks Lupin's patronus arrived with an urgent message. Knowing that next door neighbors Drucilla and Sirius weren't home, Ron had hurried Rose to another neighbor's then apparated the short distance to just outside Madam Puddifoot's. He didn't bother knocking on doors before getting over there, knowing that Tonks would have sent her patronus to other Order members, such as Bill and Charlie, and put out a call for Aurors and hit wizards.
Arriving to a scene of devastation, Ron soon had the basic facts of what had taken place. Geoffrey Blackwell, Tonks, and Remus had been nearby at the Crown & Cauldron, Geoffrey with his significant other Gigi Martini. Being in such close proximity to the tea house, they'd arrived probably more quickly than Adriana and her followers anticipated law enforcement showing up. Despite the attack being of somewhat short duration, the number of dead and injured was high. It wasn't until later that Ron, and other family, knew Charlie had been at Madam Puddifoot's with Hendrika and their three children. Charlie had some cuts and scrapes, mainly from flying debris. Ava and the two boys escaped physical injury but were none the less extremely traumatized. Hendrika was badly injured, a large wooden stake driven through her body, splinters from it catching her heart and a left lung.
Charlie got Hendrika to St. Mungo's though not without difficulty. Not wanting to leave the children, not wanting to wait for the tea room to be considered safe enough for the Aurors and hit wizards to enter, he'd disapparated with his wife and children before the net could be fully cast over Madam Puddifoot's that would have prevented anyone from apparating. Charlie's very lucky he didn't splinch any of them.
Of course, that anti-apparition net turned out not to be needed. Adriana and her followers got away, though Ron knows fire was exchanged with a few of them. Unfortunately, no one knows if any of her people were injured before getting away. Charlie and a couple of others who'd been inside thinks they made some good hits but none can be one hundred percent certain.
Ron does know he couldn't have done more. Couldn't have gotten there any quicker unless he wanted to take Rose along with him. Even then, his presence wouldn't have made much difference. Those who were there fairly rapidly weren't able to do much beyond sending Adriana's people fleeing, most likely sooner than they'd expected.
Ron knows all this yet can't help feeling guilty for not having been there to keep his sister-in-law from being hurt, his niece and nephews from going through the horror of such an attack. If he feels this way he can well imagine how much Charlie is beating himself up over being unable to protect his family.
Ron pours himself a cup of coffee and one for Hermione, accepting the cheese toast she puts in front of him. He's not hungry but he eat it to appease his wife, feeling even more guilty for being so very glad it's not Hermione in that hospital room.
Friday Evening
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 04-16-14 20:07
Valentine's Day had been yesterday, and that had seen an attack, this one much closer to the castle than last year's that had claimed the mother of one of his students, and had also once again thrown the safety of Hogwarts into the spotlight as the attack had been in the village at the tea room, which had been filled with couples for a romantic evening.
He'd taken Ariella into London for a stage performance of a musical called Wicked that was based on a book by a muggle author, Gregory Maguire. It is a telling of the life of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. They'd also gone to a very nice restaurant for dinner. He'd also surprised her with a four day trip to Athens, Greece at the end of March when there was a break between Winter and Spring terms.
Since she'd told him their little family was going to grow just a little bit bigger by the end of the year, he had never been happier. They had been discussing baby names, and were working on selecting at least one name for either sex. No matter what, Lawrence was looking forward to the beginnings of their own family.
After his classes and office hours had been completed, he'd returned to their quarters where he'd created a simple meal for the pair of them - lemon pepper chicken breasts over a bed of pasta with a light garlic butter sauce, steamed vegetables, and rolls. He'd gone into the village earlier and gotten a chocolate and strawberry cheesecake that would be dessert, and was still shocked over the damage that had been done last night.
They had no set plans for this Friday evening, but then again that wasn't a bad thing and the only plans for the weekend - other than Parent's weekend going on at the castle, was they were going to dinner at Maggie's on Sunday - and he was pretty sure that his sister would be delighted to know that she was going to be an Aunt.