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Learning More About Kellen
Author: Travis
Date: 05-01-16 20:46
Setting two small bowls of hot and sour soup on the table Travis looks at Kellen. "Two days. You promise?"
In the process of dividing dumplings between two plates he pauses for a second to meet her gaze. "Yes, two days."
Grabbing the take away carton of cashew chicken Travis says with a sigh of relief, "Finally! You know Mum and Nova are practically planning an engagement party and Mum's already looking at possible wedding venues."
"No offense to your mother but she must be insane to want you married off to Odgen."
Travis tries not to laugh, resulting in her giving an embarrassing snort. "You knew my mother before you vanished or whatever it was you did and you've met her a few times since helping me with the Odgen issue. There's no doubt she's somewhat barmy."
Kellen chuckles, "You said it, not me. Okay, well, I did say she must be but you're the one confirming it."
Travis pours butterbeer into two mugs then joins Kellen at the table to sit. Picking up her spoon to take a bite of soup she tells him, "Isn't it about time you fill me in on how things went with your brother?"
Working secretly, Kellen recently did what he could to reverse the tampering done to the memories of family members, his brother Kenneth in particular as well as Kenneth's ex-wife, and Odgen's mother, Nova. After that, he'd visited his brother. In the days since when Travis has asked he's found a reason to put her off. Now, he shrugs. "It was about what I expected. It was great to be able to see Kenneth but I was also reminded how self centered he can be."
"Kenneth self centered? I never thought of him that way. A little selfish in how he left Nova but I've always quite liked him and always thought it too bad that Odgen doesn't take after him."
"In a social setting Kenneth has always been charming and quite likable. When it's just family or a best mate, he tends to want to talk mostly about himself and his accomplishments. We'd been together nearly an hour before he thought to says, 'You know, I don't think we've gotten together in awhile, Kellen. Work keeping you busy, it is?'" Kellen reaches for his butterbeer chuckling again. "I knew I should have tried giving him some new memories."
Travis rolls her eyes and points out, "You never have explained why exactly you decided after years of hiding you decided it was safe to reveal yourself."
"I hadn't thought I'd ever be able to do so. Her friend Kristen, who'd once been my friend years ago, was killed when she began trying to find out about me after seeing me in an old photo and curious as to why she couldn't remember me. I ended up injured and hiding out at Briar's after I'd warned Briar to be careful asking about the mystery man in the photo. There were three people left who knew about me and were part of the organization that caused me to have to go into hiding in the first place. Of those three, two are now dead and one is serving a life term in Azkaban."
Travis's fork hovers over her plate, the bite she was about to take momentarily forgotten. "Did you have anything to do with any of that?"
"The one in prison, yes. The other two, no, but if I'm honest I would admit to wishing I had."
The rest of dinner is spent talking a little more about Kellen's past and the group the three people were part of, something called the Knights Walpurgis, and discussing the big event in two days when Odgen Fitzmorris will at long last be arrested and how Kellen feels about helping put his nephew in prison.
After A Morning Hike (Deak & Jack)
Author: Kody
Date: 05-02-16 21:00
Exhausted after a morning of hiking Deak plops onto the booth bench. Jack drops beside him while Wiggy takes the seat across from them. They'd started out near dawn, hiking the Spean Bridge to Tulloch section of the East Highland Way. Unlike Muggles, they did at least have the advantage of apparating near to their start point and disapparating from near their end point.
After ordering drinks and food Jack suggests, "When we can, we should do the entire trail."
As the East Highland Way is around 132 km, or 82 miles, long camping would be required. Deak offers, "I've got access to any equipment we'd need."
"Could be fun. Maybe something for the summer." Wiggy moves his arm off the table so the waitress can deliver their drinks.
"Too bad we can't do it in a couple of days but we were pushing to do what we did today. We should have done the Feagour to Laggan Village. It's a shorter section."
Wiggy looks at Jack. "I may not be cleared to play Quidditch yet but I'm not an invalid."
"You had a serious concussion. Technically still do," Jack counters.
"Yeah, yeah."
Wiggy sounds a little bored. Deak can't blame him he supposes as Wiggy must be tired of hearing things like this. Almost six weeks of it and if the healer determines he needs more time before rejoining the Puddlemere United practices and matches. Wiggy says he's fine with having had to be cut from the World Cup team but there are times Deak wonders if his friend is being entirely honest with not only others but with himself as well.
To change the subject Wiggy asks the other two, "Did you hear that Bradana is up to her antics again?"
Jack shakes his head no but Deak, face scrunched in thought, asks, "Someone with the Tutshill Tornadoes, is what I think I heard."
"That's it. Rhys Barton."
"Their new beater, right?" Jack clarifies.
"Yeah. He's at the restraining order stage. There's a betting pool going around as to who she'll move on to from him."
Their food arrives and as they dig in, the three friends come up with some names Wiggy should bet on in that pool before switching to discussing when this summer to do the entire East Highland Way and beginning a list of what they'd need for it.
Before Class
Author: Illyria
Date: 05-05-16 19:48
Illyria sat at the desk in her office with her chair turned and her feet propped up in another chair. She ate from a pint of peppermint chip ice cream and marked the exams her 2nd and 4th years had written just last night. Illyria's last two classes of Winter Term were scheduled tonight and would also consist of exams. She planned on spending tomorrow getting them all marked. At the latest, she hoped to get everything submitted to Professor McGonagall by Saturday morning.
She and Nathan had plans to visit Illyria's parents in Mumbai for Easter break. All of the Jones sisters planned on congregating in India with their individual families this coming week. Not all would stay much more past Easter Sunday, as soon had to return to work and others had tickets to the World Cup Opening Ceremony, Illyria and Nathan would stay in Mumbai until the day before Spring Term started at Hogwarts.
There was still some time before her first class meeting, and despite it being exam time, Illyria didn't expect anyone showing up any earlier than necessary. She was very wrong about that, because Edmund Woodhouse came bursting into the classroom with his tie askew and one of his shoe laces untied.
"Professor, Professor!" he exclaimed, dropping a handful of parchment sheets onto the floor. "Did I miss it?"
"Miss what?" Illyria asked. She lowered her feet from the extra chair, put the ice cream pint and spoon on her desk, and tried to look as professional as possible.
"The exam!" Edmund exclaimed. "I fell asleep, and then I overslept. I almost had a heart attack when I saw the time. Is it too late for me to take the exam?"
"Edmund," Illyria began, "it's barely 10 o'clock. You haven't missed the exam at all."
"I haven't?" Edmund looked completely baffled. Some of his hair was sticking up. "But my watch said it was after midnight!"
Illyria smiled. "Either someone tinkered with your watch to make you think it's later than it is, or your watch stopped around lunchtime today and you only just noticed."
Edmund looked visibly relieved. He checked the watch on his arm and saw that the hands had indeed stopped moving.
He took his watch off to wind it and asked, "Why are you eating ice cream? Isn't it too cold still for ice cream?"
"It's never too cold for ice cream," Illyria insisted.
"I don't know," Edmund said. "If you're cold, do you really want to feel colder?"
"When it's because of something delicious, then you don't mind it as much."
Edmund moved to sit at one of the desks and continued winding his watch. He and Illyria talked casually until the first of Edmund's classmates trickled into the room. All too soon, it was exam time.
Waiting On A Solicitor
Author: Griffin Price
Date: 05-05-16 20:15
As Griffin stands in the doorway of the interview room where Ogden Fitzmorris haughtily informs him, "You've made a colossal mistake. My family's solicitor will have you sorted out in short order."
Out of Fitzmorris's view Travis Ravenclaw and Kellen Fitzmorris speak quietly with John Phillips. Griff steps further into the interroom room. "He's on his way. While we wait, I'll read over the full list of charges."
"Save it for when he arrives. I'm not interested in baseless lies."
Griff sets the file on the table. "Wait it is."
He's not been around Fitzmorris all that long but his impression isn't a very good one. In the last half hour Ogden Fitzmorris has pulled the, "Do you know who I am?" demand no less than seven times. Fitzmorris has also alternated between demanding and whining to speak with Travis Ravenclaw and that man who dares to call himself Fitmorris's uncle. The one time they were face to face, Ogden ignored Kellen Fitzmorris while attempting to convince Travis Ravenclaw that he loves her and can't believe she'd turn his efforts to assist her with her business against him in this manner.
As they wait, Griff's thoughts turn to home, where he should be by now. Carys and he, with input from Tristan, were going to look at wallpaper and paint colors for the nursery. The baby isn't due until August but there's no reason not to go ahead and start on the nursery. The room, which is directly across the hall from the master bedroom, is now empty and ready for whatever they decide to do. Tristan has already told them it should be painted in seven shades of blue and have a combination dragon and Quidditch theme. Griff hasn't admitted it to Carys but he actually finds the idea of dragons playing Quidditch sort of cute.
His attention is pulled back to Fitzmorris who orders, "Get me something to drink. Tea with one sugar and a dollop of cream if possible but if not, a coffee with two sugars, no cream."
As there's currently no reason not to allow a beverage, Griff exits the interview room, making sure the door is not only pulled to but locked. He motions for Phillips to keep an eye on things then walks the short distance to where there's both tea and coffee. Neither is as good as can be bought for a cart in the Atrium or from the canteen but if he says anything along those lines to Fitzmorris, the wizard will start making demands for the better tea or coffee. Griff wouldn't act on those demands but he also doesn't want to have to hear it.
Before returning to the interview room he checks to see if the lawyer has arrived, wondering what's keeping the man who'd indicated he'd not be above a quarter of an hour. It's now closer to forty-five minutes. The sooner he arrives, the sooner they can finish up what can be done this evening and Griff can get home.
(Adriana) Planning
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 05-06-16 18:57
"The trap has been set."
"Thank you, Avery. You may go."
Avery gave a single nod and backed away from Adriana's presence.
Any time she spoke or met with the false Mimsy, she deliberately let slip some news or left intriguing documents in plain view. Adriana knew that the fraud would take everything back to the Order of the Phoenix or even the Ministry of Magic. After all, had he not, then Order members and undercover aurors probably wouldn't have gone to Hogsmeade in the numbers they had to mark the anniversary of the battle from ten years earlier. A few other traps had also been sprung since then. Adriana wondered how long it would take the Order and Ministry of Magic to figure out that she was on to Mimsy. She probably ought to have her fun and kill him first.
She went to her bookshelf and removed a thick, old book about the Mithridatic Wars. It was a Muggle book, one that had come back with her from New York when she first moved back to Great Britain. The other day while in between projects, she thumbed through the same book and landed on an interesting tidbit about the first war. Something modernly known as the Asiatic Vespers involved the execution of anywhere between 80,000 and 150,000 Romans in a number of towns on the very same day. Adriana liked the ugly episode from history and wondered if she could orchestrate something like that, and if so, what exactly? Muggles killing Muggles? Wizards killing Muggles? Oh, the possibilities!
A simultaneous execution of thousands was something Adriana wished Voldemort could lead. It would be the perfect reintroduction to the world. Unfortunately, he was no where near ready yet.
Because Adriana was thinking of him, she decided to pay him a visit. She left her study and headed for the stairs to the crypt, pausing when she spotted Barty cross from one room to another. He wore purple slacks and a matching vest over a dress shirt. Adriana rarely saw him around the abbey unless summoned, but she had no reason to wonder. All her followers were welcome to come and go as they pleased, unless she required their attendance.
She knew of Barty's work with Bellatrix to resoul individuals who had been Kissed by a Dementor, such as Barty himself. Voldemort's condition was not exactly the same, but maybe the pair could provide some insight to speed up the healing process. Alexander had already helped a great deal in the matter, but there was nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. Adriana would do anything to make Voldemort right again. She decided she would pull Barty and Bellatrix in for a meeting later, but first she wanted to check on Voldemort.
Done With Da
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 05-06-16 20:50
Saffron and Aaron come rushing down the corridor. Seeing them, Sage begins walking their direction only to have Sassy put a staying hand on his arm. "You're angry. I'll tell them."
The couple were moving so quickly that in the short time it took Sassy to say that, Saffron and Aaron have reached them. Sounding breathless and anxious Saffron says, "We came as soon as I heard, which wasn't until my morning class ended."
Before Sassy can say anything Sage, fighting not to sound irritated with them when it's his father responsible for the anger, informs them, "False alarm. Sorry to have bothered you."
Aaron, arm around Saffron's shoulders, asks, "So Lohengrin is fine?"
"Yes, not a heart attack but he's going to be kept overnight for observation just in case." How Sassy sounds so calm is beyond Sage.
Saffron visibly relaxes. "That's a relief."
"He's such a type A personality that when Saffron told me he'd had a heart attack I wasn't surprised. It's great that it was a false alarm and good they're going to watch him anyway. I imagine Lohengrin isn't happy about staying."
"No but he's also enjoying the fuss being made." This time some of Sage's irritation does come through. "As there's no reason to stay, I'm leaving."
Sage's manner has Saffron puzzled. "You sound annoyed, even peevish, Sage. I know Da can be difficult but I would have thought you'd nevertheless be pleased and relieved he's fine."
"Yes, well, there was never actually anything wrong. Da faked it."
Saffron and Aaron look understandably surprised and ask, respectively, "Pardon?" and "What?"
Sassy nods at them to confirm what Sage said. "Faked it. He's admitted as much to Sage and then when I said something to him he admitted to me as well. Birdie doesn't know nor do his healers."
"I want to tell them. Sassy and Neil suggested it's best not to."
"Where is Neil?" Saffron asks, only then noticing her brother-in-law isn't present.
"Went to get Birdie some tea. She's in the room with Da and is rather shaken."
"And Senna?"
"Birdie, Da, and she had dropped in to visit me. Georgia was there. When we thought Da was having a heart attack, Birdie and I got Da here and Georgia offered to stay with Senna."
When Sage finishes speaking Aaron asks, "Why would Lohengrin fake a heart attack?"
"He didn't like the news I shared. I told him I'd proposed to Georgia and that she'd accepted. When Georgia went to hold out her hand for Birdie and Da to see the ring, Da grabbed his chest and acted like he was in great pain and having shortness of breath."
Sassy further explains, "He told Sage he was faking after we'd gotten him here and the healers couldn't find anything to indicate a heart attack. I think Da let it slip in his annoyance at realizing he wasn't going to be immediately released."
Saffron makes a disgusted sound. "Let me guess. It's because he is still stubbornly refusing to accept Georgia."
"That's it exactly."
Sassy then tells them, "When I got him to confirm to me that it was all an act, he out and out stated that Georgia isn't good enough. I'd heard him say that before but I just thought it was typical parental thinking that no one is good enough for his child. He was stubborn about accepting Neil but he eventually came around. I always thought he'd do the same with Georgia."
"I understand all too well. Encountered those sentiments from him myself."
Aaron can't help but grin. "I think the only reason he accepted me with my Muggle background is because of the money."
Sage's snort is a cross between amusement and irritation. "I have no doubt you're on the mark there, Aaron. I'm leaving, as I said. Please tell Birdie not to worry about Senna. I'm going home to check on her and Georgia then need to get back to work. I'd tell her myself but if I go in there I'm going to say something to Da that will just make things worse. For now, I am done with him."
Saffron and Sassy hug him and he shakes hands with Aaron. As Sage walks away he hears Saffron telling Sassy, "Aaron and I both have afternoon classes and as we're about to break for a holiday, we shouldn't miss them though we both did get someone to cover for us just in case. Since this is a false alarm, we'll just step in to say hello then dash back to Hogwarts."
Angry enough that he knows apparating is probably not the best choice, Sage utilizes the first Floo conduit he comes across, going home to let Georgia know Da is all right but not to tell her he was faking. He'll probably have to tell her at some point but just not right now.
Done for the Term
Author: Jordan Thompson
Date: 05-07-16 08:31
Jordan sat on the steps leading into the Great Hall. Around her the castle buzzed with people going to and from classes, in and out of the Great Hall for meals, or getting ready to board the train in Hogsmeade to go home for the holiday. She had a small bag packed with her things to go home, and it was a trip she was not looking forward to. Not in the slightest. She pushed a hand through her hair and sighed looking down at the letter in her lap that had arrived from her mum just that morning.
Matthew had arrived two days ago and was currently settling into his room. Jordan was not looking forward to seeing him, not after he'd spent three years tormenting her and her best friends. From ages six to nine, Matthew had ensured that Jordan, Jacob and Essie had been tormented, bullied, and otherwise made miserable in his presence. Of course none of it had been done within the sight of adults, so despite the word of three against one, the adults usually sided with Matthew and he was rarely, if ever punished for his actions.
"Still dreading going home?" Essie asked as she dropped down on the steps next to Jordan. They had both finished with their finals for the end of term yesterday, and neither of them had classes on Friday so they'd ultimately started getting ready to go home.
"More than ever, now that the term is pretty much at an end and I have no choice. I really hope that Mum is right and he isn't the demon child he'd been when we were younger," Jordan said, letting her head come to rest on Essie's shoulder.
"I do too. Seriously, however, if he does end up coming here with us next year then at least there will be Prefects and staff that will hopefully ensure that he doesn't cause too much mayhem. Especially if he ends up getting sorted into the same house as either of us."
Jordan nodded, closing her eyes for a few minutes. "I think I'm going to go make sure I have everything that I want to take with me. Will meet you down here when it's time to go home."
Essie nodded and the two pushed up from the steps and headed toward their respective houses to double check that they were packed for the trip home.