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Curiosity
Author: Ellis
Date: 03-06-15 11:14
Blakeney and Tessa bundled up and left the greenhouses after Herbology class ended. Although it was rather cold and quite windy, the sun was shining brightly. The decent weather and the fact they didn't have any other classes that day led to the girls taking a leisurely path to the castle.
Blakeney rubbed at her hands, which had borage seed oil on them, and wondered aloud, "Do you think the reason Alys and Chip are often together is because they are more than friends?"
Tessa turned to look at Blakeney and said, "I think a boy and a girl can be friends without any other reason." The corner of her lips twitched and she commented, "You seem awfully interested in your sister's friend."
Blakeney gave up on the oil on her hands and slipped on both of her mittens with a determined expression on her face. "I'm only curious about what exactly they mean to each other. Isn't it weird that she doesn't seem to hang out with her own roommates?"
"How do you know she doesn't?" Tessa asked.
"I don't, not really," Blakeney admitted.
Tessa smirked. "You only notice when she's hanging out with him!"
Blakeney sniffed. "I don't know what you mean."
Tessa decided not to tease Blakeney any further. They reached the castle doors and went inside, where it was still on the chilly side but noticeably warmer. The girls took the stairs to the cellar and then gave the password ("edamame") to enter the Hufflepuff common room.
As soon as they crossed the threshold, they saw Chip sitting in an overstuffed armchair with his tie loosened and his books dropped haphazardly on the floor next to his feet. Tessa shot Blakeney a sidelong glance and saw her friend do a double take, but Blakeney didn't stop to chat with Chip. She went straight to the dorm room, where she tossed her own things to ground and collapsed backwards onto her bed.
Tessa grinned and pulled off her winterwear and then her school robes, but she left her blouse, jumper, skirt, and tights on. She kicked off her shoes and made herself comfortable on her own bed.
Blakeney blew at the hair that had fallen into her eyes and wondered why Chip was always on her mind.
(Mark) Rumor Has It
Author: Isolde
Date: 03-06-15 14:47
Mark stepped into the lift from the Atrium. His boss had sent him there to fetch a snack, which was not something Mark thought fit in his job description. He didn't argue, however, knowing he hadn't yet passed his probationary period and that he needed his job now more than ever. A few other working wizards got on the lift with him. No one got off at Level 7, but someone got on: Baltus Crane.
The two old friends looked at each other but didn't speak. At Level 6, the remaining two Ministry of Magic employees got off the lift and no one entered. Mark and Baltus were now alone.
Baltus stared straight ahead and remarked, "Heard a rumor about you."
Mark didn't immediately reply. He had no doubt in his mind that Baltus had heard about his arrest and likely shared it with Felicia, who would have told Johanna, Gus, and Kate. Mark didn't at all like the idea of Kate knowing about his major slip-up, but it had happened and wasn't something he could take back.
"Digging for dirt on me, Baltus?"
Baltus chuckled. "I know you're no angel, Mark, but even I never thought you'd get yourself arrested."
"Getting arrested was the last thing on my mind," Mark muttered.
"Was it just a bad day, then?"
"Just bad judgment," Mark said after a long pause.
Baltus finally came out and asked the question. "So what did you do?"
The lift came to a halt at Level 4. Mark got off, but before the brass grille closed on Baltus, he said, "I beat the shit out of someone."
He saw Baltus' eyes widened, and then the lift was gone.
Mark went to the offices of the Department of Magical Transportation and then the smaller offices of the Floo Network Authority, where he worked. He gave his boss the snack he wanted and then went to sit at his desk, where tedious parchmentwork waited for him. He stared at the stack for a long moment, and though he would much rather be out in the field connecting fireplaces, Mark was grateful for the busy work.
After learning about Capri's pregnancy, Mark had done the only thing he thought was right. He decided he would stick it out and take care of her and the baby. Although she was still feeling understandably down, she seemed pleased that Mark was on her side, and Mark was glad he could give her some comfort.
What his mother told him was always at the forefront of his mind, but there was nothing to be done for it now. Capri needed him, and besides, Kate already had a boyfriend.
Algernon
Author: Harry Potter
Date: 03-06-15 19:55
Apparating into the backyard at Grove's End, Harry nearly drops the file he carries. He almost does it again when Pixie comes bounding through the dog door to greet him, exuberantly dancing around his feet. Clutching the file more tightly to him he crouches to pet and calm the Irish setter mix. From the door, Ginny laughs, "It's good she knows your scent or our ferocious guard dog would have had a snack before supper."
Standing, Harry's free hand goes to his face. "Have I not fully changed?"
"Your nose and chin aren't your nose and chin." Now that she's nearer to Harry she peers more closely at his face. "And one of your eyes is icy blue."
"I didn't look in a mirror or catch a glimpse of myself in anything reflective before I left the Ministry. I knew some of the Polyjuice had worn off. I guess I thought more or all of it had. At least no one in the Auror office thought twice about it. They're so use to seeing people in varying stages of disguise."
Looping an arm through his, Ginny grins. "Good thing you arrived by the backyard. If you've been out front or on the street, someone might have thought I have a boyfriend on the side."
"A boyfriend called Algernon? I think you could do better than that," Algergon being Harry's pseudonym on the mission he's working for Kingsley Shacklebolt.
At the door, Harry holds it open for Ginny, who steps back as Pixie darts in first. "How's Jamie?"
"Still extremely congested but nothing like he's been the past few days. Mum said he was fussy the entire time with her and didn't take a nap. He was fussy for awhile after we got home but he finally fell asleep. I hate that he's sleeping now when he's usually awake and active."
"And might be up half the night," Harry nods in understanding.
"Albus still sounds clear but watch. He'll come down with a cold about the time Jamie is better."
"You're going to jinx us both also catching it. Something smells great!"
Ginny snorts at the jinxing comment before saying, "Mum sent home some beef stew and a loaf of that wonderful crusty bread that goes so well with it."
Harry sets down the file on the kitchen table and starts setting the table as Ginny gets Albus and checks in on Jamie. Once Albus is settled in his high chair, Pixie with a bowl for her own dinner, and both Ginny and Harry are seated, he taps the file folder. "This is everything so far on Freya Southway."
"Anything of use?"
"I'll let you read it."
"Not even a hint?"
"No, other than to say you and your teammates are going to want her put under surveillance."
Ginny pulls the file towards her then stops. Harry pushes it even nearer. "I won't be offended if you ignore me over dinner to start reading. Albus and I will keep each other company." When the dog nuzzles Harry's leg just then he adds, "And Pixie too."
Small Talk
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 03-07-15 11:12
Despite the fact that Herbology class was a mere forty-five minutes on Fridays, it felt like an eternity. Rowan wasn't sure if it was the way Professor Masterson lectured or the subject being discussed, or maybe it was simply the fact that it was Friday and the weekend was on the horizon. Either way, she couldn't concentrate and was fairly certain the notes she jotted down made no sense.
When at long last class ended and Professor Masterson sent his sixth year students on their way, Rowan shoved all her school supplies into her book bag and got up to get her cloak from the stand near the greenhouse door. By the time she donned her cloak, scarf, and mittens and had her book bag slung over her shoulder, Lon was there to escort her to the castle.
Both of them had History of Magic class next. So did Beatrix, who walked ahead of the couple.
Lon called out, "Hey, Beatrix! What's the rush?"
Beatrix slowed to a stop and turned to look at Lon. Her gaze flicked over Rowan for a moment before settling back on Lon. "Just trying to get out of the cold. I also want to ask Professor Douglass something before class starts."
Lon and Rowan caught up to Beatrix, who resumed walking to the castle but at a much slower pace. A long awkward silence followed.
Lon finally cleared his throat and asked, "Did you sign up for the apparition lessons, Beatrix?"
"Yeah," she said. She had just turned 17 and was not only eligible to take the course but to earn her license at the end of the twelve-week period. "You?"
"Yeah," he said. "Can't wait to learn it all so I don't have to take the Hogwarts Express anymore."
Beatrix said, "I don't suppose I can skip the train ride since I'm a prefect, but it would be nice to start the summer holiday an entire day early or to delay going back to school till the very last moment."
"That's what I'm saying!" Lon quipped.
Beatrix looked at Rowan. "What about you, Rowan? Did you enroll in the lessons?"
"I'm a galleon short," she replied, "but I will before the deadline." Her birthday had been yesterday. If not for her family's curse, she would have turned 43 years old. Lon, always joking about how he loved older women, had given her an oversized fairy cake covered in trick candles: 43 to be exact. Only because Lon didn't care about her past, did Rowan actually appreciate the birthday gift.
Beatrix, at least, had wished her a happy birthday yesterday.
The three reached the castle and made their way to the marble staircase. They arrived at the History of Magic classroom not too long after that. Beatrix, having a few minutes to spare before the start of class, spoke to Professor Douglass, while Lon and Rowan took their usual seats.
(Anthony) Wrong Place at the Wrong Time
Author: Beck
Date: 03-07-15 13:43
Anthony studied the address scrawled on a piece of parchment held in his hand and then looked up at the stone house in front of him. It was a small, two-storey home that shared a wall with a nearly identical residence to the left of it. Two more similar homes were connected to it, and then a much longer series of residences with a slightly taller attic continued on in the same direction. To the right of the home he stood before was a large white house that looked very much like an afterthought. It, too, shared a wall with the smaller residence and gave it the distinct look of being squashed.
The residence in question was supposed to be a wizarding address, but Anthony was almost certain it was a Muggle home. A green recycling bin and a brown rubbish bin were off to the side of the small front yard, which was little more than a patio with a garden.
A Muggle bus stop was directly across the street and next to it was a stone church and cemetery with old graves.
Anthony had come to Caerphilly, Gwent in Wales to interview the parents of Keridwen Dragonsblood née Hess. Few records seemed to exist about Henrik and Ivy Hess, who appeared to keep a low profile. Anthony's research had produced very little information about the elderly couple, though their last known address––the one on the parchment in his hand––was supposed to be one of several wizarding homes in the area. Perhaps it had once been, and Mr. and Mrs. Hess had given up their magical ways to live as Muggles.
He supposed there was only one way to find out. He approached the dark brown front door of the lighter brown bricked house and knocked. When there was no response, he walked over to the window near the recycling and rubbish bins and peered into the house. He saw a floral printed sofa, an end table with a crocheted doily and a lamp, and alarmingly what looked like a pale white arm stretched out on the floor. Anthony peered in closer, but he couldn't see much else. The body was behind the sofa, but whether it was alive or dead, he couldn't tell.
He tried the door, and to his surprise, it opened. He ignored the sounds of sirens suddenly appearing in the distance and with his wand in his hand, walked around the sofa, where he saw a middle-aged, strikingly-beautiful woman face-up on the floor. He recognized her instantly as Keridwen Dragonsblood.
Keridwen's arm was stretched out and her blue eyes were wide open, staring at nothing. Her long, loosely curled, white blond hair was fanned out behind her head and partially stained red from the pool of blood she lay in. She was killed by single gunshot to the forehead.
Anthony knelt by the body and reached out to touch the outstretched arm. It was still warm, which meant the murder had only just happened. He wondered if Keridwen's parents were also dead somewhere in the residence, when suddenly tires squealed outside and uniformed police officers burst into the house carrying batons.
"Freeze!" one of them shouted. "Hands up in the air! Put that stick down, now!"
Anthony dropped his wand and put his hands up. He knew it was all a misunderstanding and that the Ministry of Magic would clear everything up, but he also knew the Muggle police wouldn't understand. All he could do for now was comply.
One of the officers pushed him against the back of the couch and roughly pulled down his arms to cuff them behind his back. Then he was led outside and into the back of a squad car.
Impulse
Author: Jolyon
Date: 03-08-15 12:01
The economy-sized tin of sardines that Jolyon used as a portkey for when his students went on field trips sat on the hay-strewn ground of the stables. It was not yet active, but when ready would transport the seventh year students to Ayr Aquarium. Today the NEWT-level students would learn all about the abaia, a type of magical eel.
While waiting on his students to arrive, Jolyon busied himself by reading over some of the sixth year essays submitted at the start of Wednesday's class. He had gotten quite a bit read yesterday, since he'd only had one class (which had involved another field trip to Ayr Aquarium to study shrakes), but hadn't gotten through all of them.
Rather than sit up in the loft where he kept his desk, he sat at a student desk in the main area of the stables. It was how he came to see his ex-wife before she ever called out his name.
Jolyon put down the quill he was using to write comments on the essay he was currently reading and got up from the desk. "Merrie, what are you doing here?"
Merrie quickly looked around the stables before she answered. "Sorry for the intrusion. I was in the village and made the impulsive decision to pay you a visit."
Jolyon spread out his hands and said, "It's not an intrusion, but I do have class soon. I'm afraid I won't have much time for a chat."
Merrie seemed to weigh her options. Would she say her piece and show that her visit really wasn't all that impulsive or would she save it for another time?
"Merrie?" Jolyon asked, knowing her well enough to realize that the gears were working in her head. "What's on your mind? Does it have to do with the children?"
She shook her head. "No, it's not them." Then she laughed. "How terrible a mother am I? I didn't even give them any thought when I decided to come on campus. All I could think about was seeing you." She clamped her mouth shut at the revelation.
Jolyon didn't immediately respond. "And why did you want to see me?"
Merrie turned away from him and started to kick at the tin can on the floor, but Jolyon reached for her arm and pulled her towards him. Her eyes widened in surprise and her breath caught in her throat. There was a moment of hesitation and then Jolyon dropped her arm and took a step away from her.
"Does it have to do with me and Lorrie?" he asked. He slid his hands into his pockets.
Merrie let out a strangled laugh. "Is it really serious, Jolyon? You and my sister?"
He mulled over the question and then said, "We are happy, if that's what you want to know. Just like you and Lancelot."
Merrie shook her head and looked a little downcast. "I broke things off with him."
That was news to Jolyon. "You did? Why?" But then he backtracked and said, "I'm sorry. That's really none of my business."
Merrie laughed without humor again and said, "No, it's all right. Things just didn't work out between us."
At the sound of youthful voices in the distance Merrie hastily said, "I best be going."
She turned to leave, but Jolyon seized her by the arm again and pulled her close. "Wait."
When Merrie looked up at him, he realized he didn't know what he wanted. He was with Lorrie and hadn't given Merrie much thought ever since she left him all those years ago.
He dropped her arm and said, "I'm glad you stopped by."
She smiled weakly at him and said, "Goodbye, Jolyon."
He walked her to the door of the stables and watched her make the trek across the lawn. When his students arrived, he had them make a circle around the tin can on the ground, and when the moment was right, they all touched it and disappeared.
What?!
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 03-08-15 14:52
Bronwyn arrived home from work bearing takeout from a little bistro that specialized in quick and easy French food. She immediately went into the kitchen to unload the food, which consisted of soup and salad, freshly baked bread, and a fruit and custard dessert. The black cat Shadow came bounding into the kitchen and rubbed itself vigorously against her ankles.
"Okay, okay, I'll feed you!" Bronwyn said, moving to the little bin where his kibble was kept.
She scooped some into his bowl and then went into the living room, where she heard Toby's voice. She found him kneeling in front of the fireplace, where Alanna's face was visible in the flames. Even from a distance and through the fire, Bronwyn could tell that Alanna looked sick with worry.
Alanna's voice wavered as if she were on the verge of tears. "I'll keep you posted, okay?" she said to Toby, and then she disappeared.
"What's going on?" Bronwyn asked, accidentally startling Toby. He flinched and then climbed to his feet, after which he pulled her towards him and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"The Muggles arrested Anthony this morning," Toby said, pulling back to look his wife in the face. "Apparently, the situation is a little more complicated than expected and the Ministry can't yet free him from custody. Alanna's not sure how long it will take to get him out."
"Does Plum know?"
"Yeah. Alanna contacted her first."
Bronwyn chewed her lower lip and remarked, "I'm sure this sort of thing happens from time to time. A wizard gets inadvertently picked up by the police, and then the Ministry swoops in for the extraction, erasing memories and so on."
"I think that's sometimes true when a wizard is arrested by Muggles for a valid reason. It's probably a bad idea having a wizard in a Muggle jail," Toby said.
Bronwyn nodded. "Yeah…"
"Did you bring supper?"
"Yes." Bronwyn led Toby into the kitchen, where they doled out the food she brought home and then sat down at the dining table.
"So," Bronwyn said, after taking a few bites of salad and a sip of the warm and hearty soup, "what exactly did Anthony do to get arrested by the Muggle police?"
Toby finished chewing the food in his mouth and answered, "He committed murder."
Bronwyn's jaw dropped. "What?!"