|
|
New Additions
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 06-01-16 21:07
Phlagmelina, a light jacket in hand, stops to speak to me before leaving. "Is the spa a go for tomorrow?"
"Yes, sorry. I thought I said something already."
"You may have and I was distracted or something. No matter. I know now."
We talk for a few more minutes then she bids me goodbye, leaving to pick up her children from our parents' who have been spending time as they can with the children to get to know them better. When Phlagmelina first announced she was looking into adoption most of us thought she was thinking of an infant or toddler. She may have been, though she never actually said anything to that effect, but none of us were expecting her to become mother to not one, not two, but three children. They are siblings who were abandoned when the youngest, now 4, was only a few months old. They've been in care all this time and when Phlagmelina began looking into adoption she first met the middle child, age 7. He was quick to let her know of his two sisters, the oldest being 9.
Not only has Phlagmelina gone from a single woman with no children to a mother of three, she's no longer single at the moment. The solicitor she engaged to handle the legalities of the adoption and the parchmentwork that goes with such an endeavor took such a liking to her that as soon as he convinced her to go on a date with him, he handed off the adoption to one of his partners so that no one could question his professionalism in handling the adoption while dating the potential mother.
My sister is not the only one with new additions. About the time Phlagmelina first let the family know she was looking into adopting, Phinfilius and Emerald announced they were expecting. Niles Crawford, named for Emerald's father and her mother's maiden name, is just about the cutest baby ever. I know I'm biased but as his grandmother I have that right.
Saturday had been Emerald's birthday. She and Phin were going to go to Jade's and Hunter's Quidditch match at Hogwarts then after a light lunch here at the Crown & Cauldron, I was treating Emerald to the afternoon at a spa. That evening I was going to be child minder for Niles so Emerald and Phin could go out to another favorite restaurant with a few friends.
That had been the plan but everything was either cancelled or put on hold because Niles has a fever. They understandably did not want to leave him when he was clearly not feeling well just so they could go off to have fun all day. They missed seeing the Quidditch match, which Jade's team won, their dinner with friends has been moved to Friday night, and tomorrow morning Emerald and I will be going to the spa.
We'd doing a small birthday party for her here at the restaurant on Saturday. The following Saturday there the Spring Social at Hogwarts. Hunter and Jade turn 17 this week so they and Emerald will have party of sorts during the Social when they can all be together. I'll be there part of that day. While I do have nieces and nephews at Hogwarts I'll be there more in a business capacity with a Crown & Cauldron booth. Phlagmelina and Lars will have shifts as well so we'll all get to see those nieces and nephews. As a staff member AJ will be there as well.
An evening owl arrives, tapping on the Crown & Cauldron's front door. As I'm standing the nearest I open it, not surprised that the bird carries a letter addressed to me. I know without looking at the return address that it's from Max Black, who is still incarcerated at Azkaban. I've let him know I don't want to visit but he now writes regularly to beg me to come. I either need to give in and go visit or contact whichever Azkabani official is in charge of outgoing mail to insist that letters from Max to me are blocked.
Letter stuffed in a pocket, I make a round through the restaurant chatting up the customers before going to my office for awhile to do some of the bookkeeping. Instead of working I end up writing Prunella, asking her if she's available this week to meet. Not only have we not seen each other in awhile, I've yet to mention Max's letters. It's time I get her opinion on the matter.
Letter written I put off the bookkeeping again to walk to the owl post to get the letter off rather than waiting until morning. Back at the Crown & Cauldron I make another round through the restaurant, take care of a behind the scenes drama between two of the servers, and never do make it back to the office before we close.
Once home the dogs act as though they've not seen me in days rather than only about three hours before when I'd come home on a break to check on them and spend a little outside time with them. We go for a nighttime walk, which they love every bit as much as our daytime walks, then return home for their before bed treats. We settle on the bed, Bacall snuggled against one side and Bogey on the other, where I read until turning out the light, trying not to get into yet another mental debate on whether or not I should visit Max.
Proposal
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 06-03-16 18:24
Having marked all parchments turned in by his sixth and seventh year students, Fritz turns his attention to his own homework. Trinity Term at St. Emrys started yesterday, and Fritz has a full plate of classes despite there being only three. One involves a ton of research, which will no doubt keep him very busy. He's up to the challenge, though, since it has to do with his favorite subject and specialization, Potions.
He jots notes down from the heavy textbook open on his desk but stops when there's a knock at his door.
"Come in!" he calls. He is never sure whether to expect anyone at office hours, because Alchemy isn't a N.E.W.T. course. The seventh years are probably more concerned with their other classes, which count more and can make or break their future career choices.
The door opens and Dinah slinks in. She's wearing her school uniform sans robes, and like the last time she visited Fritz for office hours, the top buttons of her blouse are open. She shuts the door behind her, very deliberately clicks the lock, and then approaches the desk.
"Professor," she begins, moving catlike towards Fritz, "I'm in such a panic."
She doesn't sound panicked at all, though. She continues her slow approach and raises her arms so she can run her fingers through her long hair, which she has highlighted.
Before Fritz can ask what is wrong, even though the only thing he knows is wrong is the situation he's unwillingly found himself in, Dinah leans forward over the desk giving him ample view of her cleavage.
"Miss Northington," Fritz starts, but then she accidentally-on-purpose knocks a file folder onto the floor. The parchments inside the folder slide out across the flagstones.
"Oops!" she exclaims, and she turns so that her back is to Fritz. She promptly bends over and wiggles her bottom, which is barely covered by her short school skirt.
Fritz jumps out of his chair and moves around Dinah so that he can pick up the parchments himself. Dinah's flirty pout instantly changes to one of interest when she really notices what the parchments say.
"You're giving away money?"
"I don't know yet," Fritz curtly replies.
The parchments are a proposal to Professor McGonagall about his idea. He wants to give one or maybe two seventh year students a gift at graduation. His thinking is that entering adulthood isn't all that easy, especially when one's bank vault is small or nonexistent. Most graduating Hogwarts students have never held a job and don't have any income starting out. A little bit of money to buy books at St. Emrys or pay first month's rent in a new flat wouldn't solve every financial issue new adults face, but it would help and probably be appreciated.
Dinah tries to read more of the proposal, but Fritz snatches all the parchments away and stuffs them back into the folder. He'd thought to give the gifts anonymously. Fat chance of that now.
A light seems to go off in Dinah's head. "It's so nice of you to share your wealth. You must live in a mansion. Do you have a yacht?"
Fritz stands and decides maybe he'll cut office hours short and see if Professor McGonagall is in her office. "Did you have an actual question about Alchemy, Miss Northington?" he asks, as he crosses over to the door and unlocks it.
"Hmm? Oh… No, I suppose not… but are you leaving so soon?"
"I have a meeting with Professor McGonagall."
"Oh. Okay. Well…" Dinah heads for the door and tries to brush up against him as she goes through the doorway, but Fritz quickly steps back because he anticipated what she might do.
Dinah looks disappointed but smiles at him in a flirty way, waves with her fingers and sashays down the hall. Fritz decides to go the other way, even if it's the long way to the Headmistress' Tower.
(Siegfried) Manuscript
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 06-03-16 19:16
Siegfried stepped up to the storefront of Little Red Books and adjusted his tie while looking at his reflection in the window. He had spent nearly his entire lunch hour shopping around the manuscript for what he hoped would be his first published book. It was thus far an untitled work that had to do with doping in the Quidditch industry. Siegfried got the idea after his brother-in-law was wrongfully accused of using illegal substances to make him a better Quidditch player.
The publishing houses he visited so far didn't seem intrigued by the subject. With it being World Cup season and everyone in a frenzy about the British Nationals, nobody seemed interested in the negative side of the game.
Siegfried figured with it being the end of the work day, either Little Red Books would shoo him out the door in a hurry or accept the manuscript to review later, if only to avoid having to listen to his book talk. Siegfried hoped to leave empty-handed, so that there might be a chance someone would read his work. Even if it wound up in a pile on somebody's desk, it might get read eventually.
He went to the suitably red door, pushed it open (feeling glad it hadn't been prematurely locked) and went to the reception desk. The only problem was, there was nobody seated there.
Siegfried looked beyond the desk to the rows of cubicles and offices, where a few people still milled about, but they were all busy working or busily getting ready to leave for the day. Siegfried tried to make contact with somebody, but nobody would meet his eye. Maybe it was rude turning up in a place of business at the very end of the work day, but it seemed much ruder ignoring a customer when the firm hadn't locked its doors yet.
Just when Siegfried thought he wouldn't get to slip his manuscript into anybody's hand, a red-haired witch popped out of one of the offices and saw him. She had a briefcase in her hand and appeared to be on her way out, but rather than scowl at her bad luck for making eye contact with someone when all she wanted was to go home, she approached the reception desk and asked, "Can I help you?"
Siegfried held out the manuscript. "Hi, my name is Siegfried Dewhurst. I'm a photojournalist for Quidditch Illustrated. I've been covering the World Cup. Did you listen to Saturday's match between Argentina and Australia? No? Well, it was a good one. Anyway, I was hoping someone at your firm would read my manuscript. It's about doping in Quidditch. I'd be happy to tell you or someone else more about it."
The witch held out her hand and said, "No need."
Siegfried looked stunned but recovered fast. "Oh, great. Thank you."
"Sure. Is there anything else?"
"When might I hear something?"
The witch shrugged. "That really depends. It's probably best you keep in touch."
"Great. Thanks."
Siegfried realized he was being expected to leave and walked backwards out the door with a grin on his face. He twirled once he hit the cobblestones and pumped his fists in the air. "Yes!"
He knew he wouldn't for sure get published, but for some reason he felt pretty good about his chances now that he'd gotten his foot in the door at Little Red Books.
Working After Hours
Author: Jared
Date: 06-05-16 11:59
"Working late again, Wynbourne?"
Jared looks up from the notes of the meeting earlier in the day. "Just some reading, Ms. Albrecht."
The older witch smiles benignly. "Always the reading. Always the making notes. We are a committee reviewing regulations and rules for a game but one would think you are preparing for a law review or some such."
He returns her smile as he always does. Her comments are similar to ones she's regularly made since the international committee convened in Cologne. Usually he responds with some variation of, "I like to be up to date and prepared for tomorrow." Tonight he says, "I've wondered, Ms. Albrecht, how your English is so perfect."
"My maternal grandfather's family is from near Sheffield. We often visited when I was young and Mutter would often speak English with my brothers and sisters and me to help us improve. Also, I lived for several years in Calgary, Canada." Heike Albrecht settles in the corner of the desk across from Jared's. "Now, really, when not in meetings why do you spend all your time at your desk. I know you often stay until well after midnight."
Jared starts to say something about simply being diligent and doing his best to show he's appointment as one of the British to the committee was a good one. He starts to but doesn't. Instead, he shrugs. "Mending a broken heart. Keeping busy helps."
"Ah. Yes. I understand; however," she gets up from the corner of the desk and walks to his, gesturing for him to stand, "you will come with me to eat. You are too thin."
"Thank you, but I'd like to finish this."
"No, you will come. I am a mother and I say you need to eat. I know a wonderful restaurant you will love."
Jared protests but finds himself walking beside her, her hand guiding his arm towards the Floo. As they walk she tells him, "Saturday we have no meeting. You will go with me and my daughter Gitta. She is starting soon a job as a tour guide. She wants to practice."
By the end of an excellent meal during which Jared actually ate rather than just picking at his food, he somehow found himself having agreed to go with Heike and Gitta on Saturday though he's not exactly sure how she managed to convince him when he'd been adamant he would not go.
(Adriana) Jessica Dark
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 06-05-16 12:28
A smartly-dressed woman walked into the Civl Service Resourcing office, which employed people who worked in diplomatic service, the Houses of Parliament, governmental entities having to do with science and engineering and digital technology, and communications. She approached reception and stated the purpose of her visit.
After being asked to sit in a plush armchair, the woman didn't have long to wait before another well-dressed woman called her over to a corner cubicle. The governmental employee had silver hair cut into a short bob and a stern expression on her face. She indicated for her guest to sit in the chair opposite her desk.
"Ms… Dark, is it?" the woman, whose name was Louise Anders, said while reading the name off of sheet of paper on her desk.
"Yes, Ma'am," said Ms. Dark. "Jessica Dark," she added, offering her hand.
Mrs. Anders gave it a quick pump and then said, "I've only agreed to the meeting as a favor to your father. As you are no doubt aware, the Fast Stream process generally takes several months to complete and is entirely online, except for the analytical assessment and final selection process. You will need to complete the online selection tests and fill in the online application form before you can be considered for a position."
"I'd like to be in the Prime Minister's cabinet," Ms. Dark said.
Mrs. Anders gave her a critical look and said, "That's a mighty high ambition and not one easily reached, no matter who your father is." Her face suddenly clouded over, as if she had just forgotten what she'd said.
"Your father…?" she began, hesitantly.
"Mr. Dark," Jessica said, nodding her head. "Yes, he's very important and implores you to find a position in the Prime Minister's cabinet sooner than later. Time really is of the essence."
Mrs. Anders' face suddenly dawned with recognition and she nodded her head vigorously and stated, "Yes, yes. Of course. Anything for Mr. Dark. Simply submit the online application at your earliest convenience and I'll make sure it is fast-tracked. May I help you with anything else, Ms. Dark?"
"Let's meet again this time next week. I'll be sure and put in the application before then."
"Excellent. Thank you for your visit, Ms. Dark." Mrs. Anders rose and offered her hand. "We look forward to you joining the team."
Jessica smiled, said goodbye, and walked out of the office. She continued down the sidewalk and cut through a park before going down a narrow alley between two buildings. Once safely out of view, she pulled a wand out of her purse and disapparated.
She appeared in the middle of a wood a moment later and strode forward toward a ruined abbey. While she walked, she pulled off the red bobbed wig she wore and removed her high heels.
Vincent Crabbe stepped into view from his guard position and said, "You're back."
"Obviously. Did I miss anything?"
Crabbe shook his head. "Don't think so."
"Great."
Adriana entered the abbey and stopped where a number of the Death Eaters were congregated. They were still talking about the trap set in Outwoods the previous weekend, where some of them nearly overtook Aberforth Dumbledore, only for him to quickly call in reinforcements and thereby drive the Death Eaters back. They stopped talking when they saw Adriana, thinking she might have an announcement to make.
She didn't, but she did have a question. "I need someone familiar with modern Muggle technology to accompany me on a project."
The last time Adriana had gone online with any sort of regularity was in the mid-1990s, when the only way to connect was through a dial-up modem.
At first, her plan had been to assign someone to infiltrate the Prime Minister's office. The more she'd considered it, though, the more she realized how much fun it would be if she did it herself. She could manipulate those who needed manipulating to get her into the position, and then she could whisper radical ideas about wizards into the Prime Minister's ear. Wouldn't it be fun if both the Muggle and wizarding governments simultaneously imploded?
Vandalia Keene spoke up, "I can help."
"Great. Be ready to go in five minutes." That's all the time Adriana needed to change from her Muggle business attire to something more casual.
Five minutes later, Adriana and Vandalia headed out to something as retro as Adriana's old dial-up modem: an Internet café.
(Divine) Moving in Together and More
Author: Alaia Rothstein
Date: 06-05-16 16:08
Amyas had told Divina of his sister being pregnant and she had sat with him and they talked about it for a long time; and both had come to the conclusion that if she did not want the baby and did not want to raise it that they would take it. They would raise it as their own.
Divina smiled at Amyas and said, "So does this mean we are moving in together?"
"Yes, I think that might be good. I would really like that. I know we have not been together all that long but…" Amyas said and stopped.
"No, we haven't but it feels right."
"Yes, it does. So, should we talk to your Mum and Dad about this and then send an owl to your sister if they are in agreement?" So off they went to Amyas' house to talk to his parents about Andromeda and the baby; on the way they also picked up a Wizarding newspaper and began searching the ads for a place to live.
They talked to Amyas' parents and they were in agreement that it was a good idea that they adopt the baby. Now it was time to convince Andromeda. They sat down in Amyas' room and began to pen a letter to Andromeda and hope that she would be willing to let them adopt her baby.
Enthusiasm
Author: Capri Brycin
Date: 06-05-16 17:02
Capri had left the office the night before and without thinking she took the manuscript that the young man had given her home with her. Finding it in her things she looked over it as she was feeding Zoe Jane. It was interesting to say the least and it was well written. This could be a good book. She was going to have to finish reading it but what she had read was good.
She thought she would send an owl off to the young Mr. Dewhurst and let him know she liked what she was reading and she would be interested in being his editor. She sent the letter off as soon as she was done writing it and an hour passed and she got a letter back from Mr. Dewhurst. She giggled at his enthusiasm.
The next day she sat at her desk and she was going through her desk and found a picture of she and Mark in her drawer. She sniffed and sighed and looked at the picture of them back in Hogwarts when things were better between them; not that they were ever perfect. Seeing the picture made her wonder what he was up to and if he had found someone else yet or if he and Kate were back together yet. She had an epiphany a while back realizing that it was Kate that he had been in love with even when they were together. Stuffing the picture back under some papers she found what she was looking for and went back to work.
Valarie Chaddock had stopped into her office and she looked up and smiled at the woman. "It is nice to see you again." Capri had said. It had been since the day that she had become her benefactor that she had seen her. It had been several months but things were going well and it was all because of Valarie.
"It is good to see you too. I was wondering if you wanted to go to lunch?" Valarie Chaddock said.
Capri nodded her head. "Yes, I'd love to. Where would you like to go?"
"I don't care. You choose." She said.
Smiling Capri said, "Let's go to China Town, I know just the place." She said setting down Siegfried's manuscript and getting her things together and then the two headed out.