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Moving In
Author: Lee Sickleby
Date: 05-06-15 18:05
In the last month and a half, Lee and Alaia had visited many potential homes in the countryside. A few had made their short list, and after several more visits and negotiations with the various owners, they had finally settled on a first home together. It was located on the edge of the small town of Leyburn in North Yorkshire, not far from Richmond.
The house itself sat on a large expanse of land with nothing but rolling hills and rows of trees within view. It was made of thick, light gray stone and had a red tile roof. A short set of stairs led to the front door, which opened up into a tiny foyer. The foyer was divided by a narrow hall and a steep flight of stairs, which led to the second floor. Each of the four bedrooms in the house were small but cozy. Lee rather liked the almost cramped conditions because it made him feel that much closer to Alaia.
And should they ever require more room, they could always renovate or look for a bigger house.
Lee carried a box through the front door of the new house and queried, "Where do you want me to put it?"
Alaia glanced up from where she was kneeling in the living room and asked, "What's in there?"
Lee turned the box around in his hands and read the words written in Alaia's own hand. "Kitchen stuff," he said.
Alaia grinned at him. "The bathroom, then?" she joked.
He grinned back and carried the box into the kitchen, setting it down on the counter. "Sure," he called out, "if you want to keep the forks and knives with the toilet paper."
Alaia laughed. "That sounds really appetizing."
Lee came out of the kitchen and knelt on the floor next to his fiancée. "We bought a house," he said, feeling proud and excited. He'd never owned any property until now.
"We bought a house," Alaia repeated, beaming.
Lee wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. He thought about how distant and isolated the house was from work and truly believed that they had made the right decision to move away from London and city life in general. Lee wasn't stupid enough to think Rowle would never find out where he lived, but he had already taken measures to protect his property, from simple security charms to rendering it unplottable. It was Lee's greatest desire to keep his work life and his personal life 100% separate.
Alaia seemed to sense that his mind had wandered to something grave and asked, "What's the matter?"
Lee wanted to say, "I hate lying to you every day," but instead he replied, "I was just thinking about how much more moving we have to do."
Alaia grinned and said, "You only have yourself to blame, what with that gigantic closet of shoes of yours."
"Ha," Lee replied, poking her in the side with his finger. "You know I only own about three pairs of shoes. I believe the culprit is you and all your baking accoutrements."
Alaia laughed. "Are you complaining?"
"Never!"
He got up and pulled Alaia to her feet. "Better get a move on or it will take a whole month before we're truly moved in."
"Yes, you better," she quipped with a wink.
He chuckled and headed back out to fetch another box, leaving Alaia to resume her unpacking.
The Approaching Holiday
Author: Niccolo Zabini
Date: 05-07-15 20:33
Nico dropped down into a chair in the Slytherin Common Room, the soft leather welcoming him to his usual spot by the fireplace. Yesterday had been another lucrative Easter Egg Hunt, thoroughly enjoyed by students, staff and visitors alike.
He glanced up as Petula made her way into the room, settling down in her own chair next to his, one of the small seemingly insignificant routines the pair shared. They sat in silence for a while, watching other classmates come and go from the room, many still enthralled with their gifts from the day before.
"Petula, my dear, I was hoping to see you this morning." She responded with a characteristic raise of one eyebrow, urging him to continue. He fought back a smile, and looked around to see the common room had emptied out a bit. "Last year, I happened to find that," he gestured toward the platinum and emerald ring on her finger, "and yesterday I found this, in the same spot."
He pulled out a small egg, slightly larger than the one that held Petula's betrothal ring, this one held a similarly designed bracelet, sized to fit Pet just right.
"Thank you, Niccolo," She said quietly, "it's beautiful." She looked up and gave him a genuine smile, her eyes soft in appreciation. Being as young as they still were, they knew it was of the upmost important to keep up appearances, to always be strong and sure, never showing weakness. Nico gave her hand a gentle squeeze, before pulling away as Valeria bellowed into the room.
"What's wrong with her now?"
Petula rolled her eyes and swatted him, "Don't add to her mood, she's likely to hex you to death, and she still won't tell me who has been leaving those mystery gifts."
"She has been moody, and I thought you used to talk about everything?"
"We used to." There was a slight hint of something it Pet's voice, Nico nearly missed it.
"Do you think it has something to do with Anton, or perhaps our arrangement?"
"Both, maybe. I hope An gets his head out of his arse soon, or else he might find Val's found someone who appreciates her."
"Perhaps we should…"
Pet quickly interrupted him, "…perhaps we shouldn't get involved in their mess. They'll figure it out eventually, and I don't want to get stung by Val's wrath." With that, the pair settled back into their chairs, Nico watching the flames dance in the fireplace, while Pet admired her new bracelet. The easy conversation turning to the presents they'd collected yesterday, and Nico reminding himself to write his cousin later.
Burned
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 05-08-15 10:06
Hermione stepped out of a patient's room and made her way over to the nurses' station, where she sat down in an empty chair and jotted down a few notes regarding the patient's care. The witch in the hospital bed was very vain and had tried and failed at a manicure charm. Instead of the strong, well-maintained, and beautifully painted fingernails she wanted, the witch's nails grew continuously. They were long, curled, and a sickly yellowish color. Ordinarily, Hermione would feel sorry for someone who had made a mistake, but the patient was anything but pleasant. Even now Hermione could hear her complaining from behind the closed door of her room.
"She's a bit of a pill, isn't she?" remarked one of the nurses.
Hermione made a noise of agreement but didn't comment. She finished quilling her notes and then set the parchment aside, just in time to see Linus Buchanan appear. He was cradling his hands in each other, and both were bandaged, albeit sloppily. His hands were both red and black, blistered and peeling.
Hermione sprang out of her seat to assist him. "What happened?" she asked, taking him gently by the arm over to an unoccupied gurney against the wall in the corridor.
Linus eased himself onto the thin mattress and explained, "Owl post containing unexpected pyrotechnics."
"From Leigh?" Hermione asked. She peeled away the bandages and assessed the damage to his hands. Although some areas were badly burned, he still had all ten of his fingers.
"It wasn't signed and I didn't recognize the handwriting," Linus began, "but what was in the letter certainly sounds like it came from her."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked. She used her wand to clean his hands, which was painful for the patient, but Linus bore it well.
"The letter said she was fine, not to come looking for her, and not to send aurors after her either." Linus paused. "Lastly, it said to stop talking to you."
Hermione stopped her ministrations for a moment and looked at Linus. "She doesn't like that you don't share her opinion about me."
"No, she doesn't," Linus agreed.
"I'm guessing the letter went up in flames, along with your hands?"
"You are correct."
Hermione thought for a moment and then asked, "I was under the impression that despite your differences, you are on fairly good terms. Why would she cause you harm?"
Linus shook his head. "She's not well, and she's a Death Eater now… or presumably, since that's what she's always wanted. I can't imagine the members of that group sit around knitting and discussing literature."
"No, I imagine not," Hermione agreed. "Have you reported what happened to the authorities?"
"Not yet," Linus said. "It only just happened, and I thought healing attention was a priority."
Hermione nodded. "You did the right thing. Let's get you admitted and treated, and then I'll arrange for an auror to come out and talk to you."
She had Linus wait there and went to find an empty bed for him. While she worked, she thought about how much Leigh wanted to do her harm. That Leigh would badly injure her own twin suggested that whatever she had in mind for Hermione would likely turn out to be much, much worse.
Practice Makes Perfect
Author: Alaia Rothstein
Date: 05-08-15 14:11
Alaia had more or less gotten the the four bedrooms put together and the kitchen when Lee got home with more boxes. They had one more day each then they both needed to be at work.
"Hey there."Lee said as he entered and found her in the downstairs bathroom unpacking some boxes.
"Hi."She smiled as she placed a small glass dolphin in a shadow box on the wall.
"This is the last of it." He said as he looked at the box and saw it said the word 'baby' on it. He saw this and in shock almost dropped the box. "Is there something you're not telling me?" Lee asked.
Alaia giggled, "no. This is stuff from when I was a baby or kid and I saved it for one day when I have kids."
"Oh." He said with a grin. "Maybe we should go practice." He laughed as he pulled her into his arms and then he scooped her up in his arm and carried her upstairs to their bedroom.
On Strike
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 05-08-15 19:27
The entire Holyhead Harpies team with the exception of Freya Southway sits bunched together, the team's main owner pacing back and forth before them, her face a vivid shade of red that closely resembles Ginny's hair coloring. The head coach stands to one side, arms crossed. The rest of the coaching staff and trainers are clustered together behind the head coach.
Stopping her pacing the owner begins a litany of threats that she's gone over multiple times already and at an increasing volume. "EVERY ONE OF YOU WILL BE REPLACED! YOU'LL BE BANNED FROM PLAYING THE REST OF THE YEAR FOR ANY OTHER TEAM! NO, MAKE THAT BANNED FOR LIFE FROM THE BRITISH AND IRISH QUIDDITCH LEAGUE! IF I COULD BAN YOU FROM OTHER LEAGUES I WOULD! ANY OF YOU WHO DON'T AGREE TO PUT AN END TO THIS STRIKE WILL FACE STEEP FINES AND NEVER PLAY FOR ONE OF OUR LEAGUE TEAMS EVER AGAIN!"
Ginny nor any of the other Harpies make a move to get up. No one speaks up. After getting more information on Freya Southway and presenting it to the coaching staff, the rest of the team was fully expecting Freya to be let go. When that didn't happen and when to the team's shock there was talk of giving the captainship to Freya the rest of the Harpies staged a protest. They showed up for practices but refused to do anything. There is a game schedule later this week but they've made it clear if Freya is still on the team none of them will play, forcing a forfeit.
Freya's history is checkered with accidents and severe injuries for not just opponents but teammates. There is also a history of accidents befalling students and teachers where she attended school. This is not a simple matter of someone having an aggressive style. Freya is someone who deliberately hurts people and has no remorse or guilt for any of her actions. Even a sibling was seriously hurt when they were children. Freya was not outright blamed but there are hints to her involvement. Freya Southway has never been formally charged or convicted of any of these "mishaps" because those involved always back out of taking the necessary steps.
At the lack of response her threats have garnered, the owner's face darkens even more. Ginny wonders if the woman will stroke out on the spot.
"THAT'S IT! FIRED! ALL OF YOU ARE FIRED! I'LL HAVE SECURITY ESCORT YOU OUT OF THE STADIUM!"
The head coach steps forward, "Ma'am, if you'd at least consider letting Southway go, the strike will end."
"I'LL NOT BE MANIPULATED," she shrieks.
"No, but you are outvoted."
All eyes turn to the speaker. He and two other newcomers arrived without anyone else noticing.
"OUTVOTED? YOU CAN'T OUTVOTE ME! I HAVE CONTROLLING INTEREST!"
"Individually, yes. You have 49%. We other three have 51%. When we agree, as we do now, we outvote you."
She stabs a thumb at the Harpies. "THESE BITCHES ARE TRYING TO TELL US HOW TO RUN THE TEAM. THEY HAVE TO GO!"
"These ladies wish to have a safe work environment. Freya Southway does not provide that. They repeatedly went through proper channels and reported the problems," one of the others points out.
"SHE'S BRINGING US VICTORY AFTER VICTORY. THEY ARE ALL JUST JEALOUS AND ENVIOUS!"
"We were doing quite well before Southway was signed. The Harpies are getting a reputation for bad sportsmanship because of her. Better a few losses and be in good standing and respected by the rest of the league," the first speaker calmly states.
The third person joins in, "We three have been getting reports of the complaints filed by other teams but we've only just learned of the ones coming from our team. Could your desire to keep Freya Southway while replacing every other Harpies be because you are her aunt?"
Ginny and her teammates have a collective intake of breath and eyes widening at this tidbit. For some reason, the background Ginny had had help collecting did not include a familial connection between one of the owners and Freya.
"NO, OF COURSE NOT! IT IS A DESIRE NOT TO BE MANIPULATED BY OVERPAID SUBPAR PLAYERS WHO CAN'T HANDLE SOMEONE WITH SUCH A GRAND NATURAL TALENT."
"Freya Southway is out. We are also having a criminal investigation begun against her. Information we received leads us to believe she drugged some of her competition the day she tried out for the Harpies."
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT SHE MIGHT DO TO ME, MY FAMILY IF I DON'T KEEP HER ON THE TEAM?"
"Yet another reason she needs to be gone."
For the first time since the woman arrived to begin her tirade, Ginny speaks up. "You can get protection from her until she's convicted and jailed. I can help with that."
She wheels around and takes a few charging steps at Ginny, her volume going up yet again. "YOU'RE BEHIND THIS! YOU AREN'T SAFE! NONE OF US ARE SAFE! ... " Whatever else she was going to shriek is lost to a coughing fit so violent she goes to her knees.
One of the other owners goes to her while another turns to address the team and staff. "None of you are fired, fined, or banned. Weasley, with your law enforcement connections go now and get someone here. We want to get Southway arrested as soon as we're able and until then, get some protection for everyone."
The third of the lesser owners asks, "Why isn't she here?"
The head coach answers, "Southway was told to take the day off so that the strike issue could be resolved."
Disapparating, that's the last Ginny hears until she returns a short time later with an auror and several hit wizards.
(Eirene) In the Library
Author: Finley
Date: 05-09-15 11:08
Eirene sat in the library and reviewed her notes for the comprehensive exam she would be writing in Astronomy class later that evening. It was the last week of Winter Term, the end of which would not only mark the start of spring/Easter holiday, but also mean that Eirene was two-thirds the way through her first ever year at Hogwarts. The year had gone quickly.
She stopped studying for a moment to think about the upcoming break, during which she would visit her family, even though she had only just seen them on Sunday during the Easter egg hunt. Not only had her parents come, but Auntie Gemma had also visited Hogwarts for the festive and fun occasion.
Eirene scanned the library and found second year Finley Pride sharing a table with the boy she always kept company. Eirene could never remember his name. Philip? Philbert? Something like that. She only knew Finley's name because Finley played Quidditch for the Gryffindor team and because they took Fitness & Athletics together.
She had not really paid either second year any attention last weekend during the Easter egg hunt and probably wouldn't have noticed them at all, if not for the fact that she'd caught Auntie Gemma staring at them. Maybe she'd just been lost in thought and happened to be gazing in their direction. To Eirene, it made more sense than being interested in two very uninteresting Gryffindors.
Eirene turned away from Finley and Phoebus and resumed reading over her notes. She was very thorough in her note-taking and had done a lot of preparation already in anticipation of tonight's exam. Eirene was not the sort to procrastinate or do anything halfway. She prided herself on perfection and had no doubt that she would do exceedingly well, but she also recognized that there was no harm in studying extra for an exam about which she already felt very confident.
(Aderyn Carter) Busy Day
Author: Cai Pembroke Carter
Date: 05-10-15 10:32
With today being the final day of Winter Term, I was looking forward to the break, and ultimately beginning the last term of the school year. Mainly because I was looking forward to seeing Broderick when he came home for two weeks in the summer. Evan was also getting ready to move, according to the letter I'd gotten from him the other day.
He'd been offered a position at a North American branch of his office and was ultimately going to be moving to Boston, MA to help open the branch of the company there and he'd be staying on as management. Which means another Carter would be gone from home and only come visit on holidays.
My day started early at 9 and I would be on the move for the most part until dinner. My day ending at 4:30 after Fitness & Athletics. I had an hour break between Care of Magical Creatures and Charms, which allowed me to change out books from my morning classes and ultimately grab something for lunch. For dinner I'd usually end up showering in the locker room depending on what we did for F&A, and then heading straight to the Great Hall for dinner, or heading to my room before ultimately going to meet a few friends in the Great Hall for dinner.
I know Cai and Angharad had busy schedules today, though Cai and I were the only ones that had four classes today. It was going to be weird being the only Carter left at Hogwarts next year because Cai and Angharad would be leaving. Though, to be honest I was also looking forward to finally being on my own for the first time since I started Hogwarts.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I headed from Herbology to the barn for Care of Magical Creatures. Thankful that lunch was a double class away, though I am fairly certain that if I wasn't going to F&A I could simply subsist on something picked up from the Commons, but I needed the extra caloric intake of a full lunch to burn it off today in F&A. As far as I know there was no Quidditch practice this week since it was the End of Winter term, and we didn't have a game until after the start of the new term.
(Etana & Caroline) End of Winter Term
Author: Rylee
Date: 05-10-15 10:48
"I seriously cannot believe you found that in an egg from the hunt the other day..." Etana said as she and her best friend entered the Slytnerin Commons. A moment was taken to cast their gaze over the interior of their house's commons. A smirk dancing upon Caroline's lips as she hooked an arm through one of Etana's guiding her off toward a pair of chairs away from the fire and the others lingering around.
"I know, I was surprised too when it tumbled out of the egg and onto my lap when I'd opened it earlier this morning while you were off getting ready," Caroline said, looking down at the bracelet on her right wrist that was silver and emerald and glinted in the light of the dungeon commons.
"I am looking forward to spending that voucher for Gladrags over holiday. The new shipment of clothes should be coming in - or I could always send Rylee over on one of the Hogsmeade weekends," Etana said as they dropped down into their chair and ultimately dropping their bags down at their feet. Herbology was done, and they were looking forward to enjoying the rest of the day.
"What else did you get in your eggs?"
The friends had opened most of their eggs together during the hunt, but some had been opened when they'd gone their separate ways, and some still had not yet been opened.
"Chocolates, and a few other sweets. Though, I'd heard one girl had gotten a giant biscuit in one of her eggs. I'd heard a couple other first years saying that she'd shared it with about half a dozen students or so because it was that big."
"Wow. I wonder what kind of biscuit it was?"
Etana shrugged, "No idea, but I was curious myself. Either way, I got a dress, a Harpies hoodie and a pair of tickets to a Harpies home game this summer."
"Awesome. I'd managed a couple of new albums from the Broomstick Boys and some other bands."
The girls talked a bit longer before ultimately heading to their room to get ready for supper.
Horribly Distracted
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 05-10-15 14:48
I was currently attempting to grade the finals that had been taken during the week, however there was very little energy that I could actually divert to the actual act of grading the finals. To say that this term had gone from fantastic to his worst nightmare was an understatement.
There had still been no word on Karina's kidnapping, and as much as he'd been looking forward to his little family participating in the Easter Egg hunt not too long ago - he was still crushed that his family had been torn apart by someone who was cold-hearted enough to steal an infant from her mother, in a public place.
If I managed to get my hands on the witch or wizard that kidnapped my daughter - I had no idea exactly what I'd do, but chances are said individual would not make it out of the confrontation alive, and I would more than likely end up in Azkaban. Either way, I was desperately clinging to the hope that when, not if, Karina was found she was unharmed. I miss even the midnight feedings, the sound of her cooing and gurgling and all of her happiness.
Giving up, I pushed myself away from my desk and headed back into the castle. Ariella was handling this just as badly, if not more so, since Karina had been with her when she'd been taken. On top of it all, everyone was also worried about Anthony who as far as I knew was still in a muggle jail and more than likely not getting out anytime soon.
I wished there was something that Ariella and I could do to ultimately break the misery and depression that seemed to grip both of us, but it's hard and I honestly didn't think that ultimately things would change until our daughter was back home with us. Karina being missing, going into the final term of the school year when my fifth and seventh years would be taking their OWLS and NEWTS, it did not bode well. I would have to ultimately find something to bring me out of this misery, and distract myself from the horrible fact that I couldn't hold my daughter when I wanted to right now.