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Studying Between Classes
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 11-21-14 09:47
"So everything is figured out right?"
I nodded, sliding a hand through my hair, part of the Hogsmeade trip last weekend had been spent dealing with wedding planning, and ultimately my final dress fitting would be shortly after we got home for winter holidays.
Blake and I currently were headed to the Gryffindor Commons after History of Magic, where we would more than likely spend the time actually doing homework, instead of dealing with wedding planning - mainly because our parents were handling quite a bit of what needed to be done while Blake and I worked on our studies.
We had almost considered moving the wedding until next summer, but at this point everything was almost entirely ready for a winter wedding.
"Do you want to go to the commons or do you need to go to the library for anything?"
I pondered a moment, before replying, "I'm thinking the library might be a better choice. We are less likely to get distracted in the library..."
Well, it was probably a weak excuse, but it worked anyway and we ventured into the library - I needed to finish my essay for Herbology anyway.
"You know you don't have to come with me. If you want to go to the Common Commons and play a game of wizarding chess with someone you are more than welcome. I'm just going to be working on boring Herbology homework, and I know you don't really like herbology."
Blake shrugged. "I need to finish up working on my essay for Care of Magical Creatures anyway."
The pair of us found a quiet area in the library and set our books down before venturing to do some research on our respective subjects. Blake was currently finishing up his essay on the hellhound, I'd be putting the finishing touches on mine tomorrow while he was in F&A.
Visiting Ethan
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 11-21-14 17:32
Kingsley Shacklebolt let go of Minerva's arm and pointed with his index finger at a solid brown door framed on one side by a narrow window. "This is where we are keeping him. How long would you like with him?"
"An hour should suffice," Minerva replied, smoothing an errant hair that had escaped her bun. "We have much to talk about, but if we run out of time, then I suspect I will be able to meet with him another day. Is my assumption correct, Kingsley?"
"Yes, likely so," the tall wizard remarked. "Somerset is not being kept here by force and could leave at any time, but he seems to acknowledge that remaining at the safe house is probably the best course of action for now."
"With the threat against him still at large, I would think going home is completely out of the question," Minerva agreed.
Kingsley nodded and said, "Someone else will collect you in an hour's time. I would, but I have a meeting with the department heads directly after lunch."
"Thank you, Kingsley, for escorting me yourself."
He dipped his head once and then backed away from the door while Minerva went towards it. She knocked and waited. By the time Ethan peeked at her through the narrow window and then opened up the door, Kingsley had already disapparated.
"Minerva, welcome to my, ah, home," Ethan said, gesturing for her to enter the house with a sweep of his arm. "Would you like something to drink? Tea?"
"Tea would be lovely, thank you."
"Have a seat," Ethan said, indicating to the sofa in the living room.
Little Lilly was drawing on large sheets of parchment spread out over the coffee table. She looked up at Minerva as she approached and smiled in recognition.
"Hello, Lilly. What an artist you are!"
While Lilly went to work creating another masterpiece, Minerva looked around the safe house and then called out, "I came as soon as I received your last letter."
"I thought that might be the case," Ethan said, emerging from the kitchen with a tray containing a tea pot, two cups and saucers, and a small plate with digestive biscuits. He set the tray on a side table so as not to disturb his daughter and poured Minerva a cup of tea.
"Thank you," she said, accepting the cup and saucer.
Ethan fixed his own cup and then sat down beside her. "Have you given my request any consideration?" he asked.
Minerva fixed him with a serious expression and said, "I have."
When she didn't immediately elaborate, Ethan said, "I don't want to be a burden, but I do want my life back. I know everything won't go back to normal even if you do allow me to return to Hogwarts, at least not right away, but I'd have a routine that would keep me engaged and distracted from my current troubles."
Minerva sipped her tea pensively and then said, "Ethan, I know you are inherently good, but I also know that you have a history of being afflicted by dark magic. I'm well-aware that St. Mungo's gave you a clean bill of health all those years ago, but I'm sure you understand that there are many today who are skeptical regarding the circumstances of your disappearance."
"Are you one of those skeptics?"
"Of course not," Minerva vehemently replied, "but for you to return to Hogwarts without eliciting controversy will require a bit of planning, and even then, I'm not sure we will be entirely successful for the likes of Rita Skeeter and her ilk."
Ethan started to look dejected.
"Not that I care what that windbag thinks! Therefore," Minerva went on, a little more enthusiastically, "I think we should quietly move you and Lilly into quarters at the castle, where you will be out of harm's way. Later, when we have established a reason for the public––and I'm primarily referring to critical parents––to accept you returning to your post, then your Defense Against the Dark Arts classes will be yours once more."
Ethan, feeling a bit more hopeful now, nevertheless commented, "It's a sad state of affairs when the truth is not a good enough reason to get your job back."
Minerva looked sympathetic. "Yes. The other reason I want to delay your return to teaching at Hogwarts is because while the school is safe, I don't want to give your enemies a reason to breach the grounds. I would much prefer they don't know your whereabouts. With any luck, they will be apprehended in a timely manner and put all our worrying to an end."
"Forgive me if I'm not feeling optimistic," Ethan said, "but thank you for agreeing to take us in. In the meantime, perhaps we can put our heads together on how to legitimize my return to teaching."
"Yes, let's give it some serious thought."
They started to think up ideas, but their time together passed very quickly and soon there was a knock at the door. Minerva and Ethan said their temporary goodbyes, and then Lilly pressed a scribbled, colorful drawing into Minerva's hand. Minerva promised to hang it up in her office, and then Jaiden Peters side-along apparated with her to Hogsmeade.
Lunch Between Friends
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 11-21-14 19:09
Looking over the top of the menu Ron states, "I've been looking forward to this."
Rereading over the menu descriptions of the choices he's narrowed his lunch options to, Harry replies, "So order the Death By Chocolate as your entree so you don't have to wait even longer."
"Not what I mean. Do you know how long it's been we've done a meal or gone out for drinks just you and me?"
Setting the menu aside, lips pursed, Harry nods once. "It's been awhile."
"We see each other a great deal but it's in passing at the Ministry or with wives or wives and children or the rest of my huge family."
"I like your huge family and your wife and child but, yeah, it's not the same."
"I'm sounding like a clingy girlfriend, aren't I?"
Harry sniggers. "Maybe a little."
They places their lunch orders then Ron shifts topics. "I can't believe I have a two year old. How did that happen?"
Harry snickers again. "I'm sure Hermione can fill you in on the birds and the bees, Ron."
"Sure, laugh about it now. Talk to me about it after Jamie turns two next month."
Harry's expression suddenly mirrors Ron's. "Hardly seems possible. Or that Albus will be one come January."
The two go quiet for a moment, the silence broken when Harry says, "Speaking of something related to the other Albus, I had thought I'd be doing more special jobs for Shacklebolt after delivering you know who to Azkaban."
"Not a lot of special work like that though."
"No, I know. Wasn't really what I meant. I'm just frustrated."
"I know and I wish there was something I could do to help."
"Locate my beloved cousin and send her to Azkaban."
"If only it were as easy as that, she'd have been arrested long ago." Ron pokes at the food on his plate, unsure of when exactly it had arrived. "This whole thing has frustrated me and several others in the family; but what we feel is nothing compared to what you must be experiencing."
"Do you think once Adriana's jailed, or dead, people will stop thinking I've been in league with her?"
"I don't know why they think it now. You are the one who killed Voldemort. You helped stop Smythe-Jones and her insane plan."
"All old news," Harry glumly replies.
"If we don't change the subject neither of us is going to want to finish eating."
"Okay, so tell me how the task force is going? It's still a thing, right?"
"For now, yeah."
For the next while Ron fills Harry in on the international task force tying deaths to serial killer Danielle Baatz and to a possible accomplice or copycat. Lunch is over all too soon, Ron heading off to follow more leads on an investigation and Harry back to the Ministry where he's once again hearing complaints from walk-ins to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Ron feels a little guilty being in the field as an Auror while Harry is stuck doing a job that makes him miserable.
Impediment Jinx
Author: Finley
Date: 11-22-14 12:12
Finley and Phoebus stood across from each other in the DADA classroom, which had been cleared of desks and chairs to allow the students the chance to practice jinxing each other without the risk of falling into the furniture. In Monday's class, Professor Grubbly-Plank had discussed the theory behind the Impediment Jinx, or Impediment Hex, as it was also known. Despite the class period consisting solely of the substitute professor lecturing, with a little bit of demonstration at the end, Finley had found the class very interesting.
Finley liked Professor Somerset very much, but like everyone else, she wondered if the rumors about him were true. She couldn't picture him doing evil things, but looks could be deceiving. Professor Grubbly-Plank filled the void he left behind very well. She was nice and had a way with words that made even the dullest topic fascinating.
Today's class consisted solely of practice. The students had spent the first half hour jinxing inanimate objects like frisbees and paper airplanes. During the second half of class, things got much more interesting when the students began jinxing each other.
At Professor Grubbly-Plank's mark, one student in a pair would rush forward. It was the other student's job to successfully slow down the other. Finley and Phoebus had found limited success in jinxing each other versus jinxing frisbees and paper planes. Part of the problem was the psychological effect of jinxing a person, especially someone who was a friend. Both Finley and Phoebus knew they wouldn't cause the other any harm, unless they terribly botched the jinx, but they still lacked the confidence to do it.
Good thing Professor Grubbly-Plank planned on continuing the lesson next week. She wrapped up the class after giving the paired up students one more shot at the Impediment Jinx.
Finley and Phoebus had no more classes and slowly made their way to the Gryffindor common room.
"I noticed not everyone had our hang-up about jinxing each other," she remarked.
"Big surprise when half the class are Slytherins," Phoebus said. "They live to torment, you know."
"Surely not all of them are so bad."
Phoebus just looked at her.
Finley shrugged and smiled and wondered, "Should I be worried about the Quidditch match?" She still couldn't believe she'd earned a spot on the team.
Phoebus lit up and exclaimed, "Just a month away, yeah? I can't wait! Gryffindor is going to kill Slytherin. I just know it."
Practices had gone well so far, but Finley was nervous and the Gryffindor team was very young. There were two other new players on the team, and one was a first year. Slytherin had two team members, with one being a first year too, but Finley heard somebody say that Crew Morgan's parents were professional players, so she wagered he wasn't your average first year player.
"I hope you're right," Finley said.
"Password?" asked the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Piquant," Finley answered, and then the portrait swung open to reveal the entrance to the common room.
After A Visit With The Healer
Author: Blossom
Date: 11-22-14 18:15
In the warmth of the twins' office, Blossom sheds her cardigan, draping it over the arm of a small sofa. She turns as Fred comes in, closing the door behind him, concern etched into his features.
She steps in for a kiss even as he's asking, "What did they say?"
"Nothing to worry about. A small ulcer."
"A small ulcer has had you nauseous on and off for weeks?"
"A little ulcer. I have a potion to take and go back in two weeks for a check-up."
They sit down together, snug against each other, holding hands. Blossom smiles wanly. "I know we've known for awhile now I'm not pregnant but ," she leaves the thought dangling.
Fred breaks his hand hold to slide his arm around her, pulling her even closer. "I know. Me too."
They sit for a few minutes, not speaking then Fred, voice dropping with worry asks, "This small ulcer really isn't anything?"
"So I was repeatedly told. The nausea, indigestion, and heartburn should be under control within a day or two on this potion."
"And your appetite will go back to normal?"
"It should."
Fred gently pokes Blossom. "I hope so because you're on the verge of having bones poking out."
"Hardly."
At the look Fred gives her she concedes, "All right, maybe a little."
They lapse back into silence, enjoying just sitting with each other, no children interrupting, no pets in need of attention. All too soon they rise, Blossom to go home to begin dinner and Fred to get back to an experiment he's performing involving a potential new product for both locations of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, both greatly relieved that Blossom's health issue is something easily resolved.
Evidence
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 11-23-14 11:38
After dropping Rose off at Blossom's following a hectic morning in which Rose didn't want to eat breakfast, didn't want to get dressed, and didn't want to leave the house, Hermione finally arrived for her shift at St. Mungo's. Unless it couldn't be helped, Hermione prided herself on her punctuality and never rushed herself upon first arriving at the hospital. This morning, however, she hastily stashed her things into her assigned cubby hole and then immediately set out to treat her first patient.
The gentleman was clearly a relative of Cornelius Fudge, for they looked very much alike and shared the same mannerisms. To top it off, they had a liking for the same type of hatwear. Pulled down over the wizard's head was a magenta bowler hat that clashed wildly with the massive pimple on the tip of the man's nose.
Hermione glanced at the wizard's chart and asked, "A permanent sticking charm? On your hat?"
"Yes," her patient acknowledged, looking a bit mortified. "I didn't mean for it to be permanent. I just needed something temporary so that my hat wouldn't fly away when I went to a meeting at the summit of the Cairngorms. I'm terribly embarrassed about my hairloss and didn't want anybody to see the patches I have left. I always wear hats when I'm out and about, but I do remove them in the privacy of my own home. When I tried to undo the sticking charm, I found that I couldn't. Yanking the hat off did no good either. Please, can you help me? Just promise you won't laugh when you see my bald spots."
"I will certainly try," Hermione replied, "and baldness is nothing to be ashamed of. You have a lot of options besides simply covering up with hats. You can remove the remaining hair completely so that you no longer have that patchy look. You could also make any inquiry into potions that will regrow the hair you lost. They don't work for everybody, but you might be a prime candidate."
She gave his head a quick examination and then said, "I'm going to have a colleague from Artifact Accidents come have a look, in case the problem lies with the hat and not the spell."
"Yes, all right," her patient said.
Hermione smiled at him and slipped from the room to contact somebody from Artifact Accidents. Because nobody was immediately available to have a look, Hermione asked a nurse to let her know the moment someone was free. Because she didn't have any other patients to look in on at the moment, she went back to her cubby hole to get the granola bar she'd stashed in her bag after Rose made it impossible for her to eat anything substantial at breakfast.
When Hermione pulled out her bag, which was uncharacteristically disorganized due to the chaos of the morning, a square object fell out of the cubby and nearly landed on her feet. She jumped out of the way in the nick of time, causing the object to clatter onto the floor.
Another healer dozing on a sofa woke abruptly and looked at Hermione staring down at the object on the floor. He followed her gaze and asked, "What in Merlin's name is that?"
Hermione didn't answer right away. Instead, she knelt and set her bag aside before carefully picking up the object. She turned it over in her hands and saw that the green plastic covering had cracked a bit from the fall and that the electric cord had come unwound. It was a small waffle iron.
She rose with it in her hands and finally replied, "Evidence. This is evidence."
The healer looked at her quizzically, or perhaps as if she had lost her mind, but Hermione knew she wasn't crazy. She knew exactly who had put the waffle iron in her cubby hole. Now she just had to prove it.
Lunch Invitation
Author: Kissy Isuki
Date: 11-23-14 18:40
At the knock on her office door Kissy calls over a shoulder, "Come in."
Nyoko Isuki pushes open the door to find her daughter standing with hands cupping her lower back while studying something on the desk. Kissy turns, dropping her hands to step towards her mother, giving the Nyoko a hug. "Hi! I wasn't expecting to see you today. Is everything all right?"
"I know I should have owled first but I came on a whim to see if you would like to have lunch together." Nyoko looks past Kisiaki to the desk. "What is that?" she asks of what looks to be a brightly colored cloth.
"Everett's fancy dress for the Halloween feast."
"Fancy dress for Halloween?"
"Yes, I've told you all about that. In some places Muggles wear costumes for Halloween. Years ago, Hogwarts began allowing them. It's optional to wear a costume or dress robes."
"I must have forgotten you telling me." Nyoko steps up to the dress to pick up the outfit. "What is it?"
Kissy takes it from her mother, turns it, and holds it up just so. "A cutesy dragon."
"That does not look like any dragons, real or fabled, of which I am aware. No dragon has orange and purple dots or blue ridges down its back."
"It's from a children's book Everett loves."
"He's not even one."
"That doesn't mean he can't have a favorite story."
Nyoko concedes, "Everett will look very cute. You be sure to get me photographs."
Kissy laughs, "Oh, don't worry. There will be plenty taken."
"You will wear those pretty sable colored maternity dress robes you bought last year?"
Looking up from the ridges running down the spine of the dragon costume, what she'd been inspecting when her mother arrived, not sure if they look quite right, Kissy shakes her head. "Cameron and I will also be in fancy dress. Characters from the same book, friends of the little dragon. Cameron will be a bigfoot that is camouflage colors of browns and greens. I'll be a dark pink puffskein."
"A dragon, bigfoot, and puffskein are friends?"
"It's a children's book, Mum, for very small children. Since when do they make sense or are logical?"
Nyoko suddenly grins. "Yes, that is true. Your favorite story as a toddler involved giant snail who was best friends with a centipede. You know, somewhere we still have that book. I will have to find it for you."
"I sort of remember that but it's all very vague." Kissy checks the time. "My office hours are over in a couple of minutes. I have a class at 1:15 so can't linger over lunch."
She gathers her things to go, locking the office door behind her as Nyoko tells Kissy about brother Zen's favorite story at that same age.