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Moody
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 01-27-17 16:46
Lysander yanked open a desk drawer in search of an invoice he knew he had filed away and began unceremoniously emptying out every bit of parchment. He quickly shuffled through the parchments and then shoved a few right off the desk. Exhaling a deep sigh, Lysander put his hands to his face and rubbed at his eyes.
When he removed his hands he saw Julian leaning in the doorway, looking at the mess and Lysander with one brow raised in an arch. "I'd suggest a vacation day, but I'm not sure it would help your mood."
Lysander didn't immediately reply and instead counted to five in his head. Then he got up and used his wand to sweep up the parchment pieces littering the floor. He intended on going through them at a slower pace and also filing them in better order so that his next search wouldn't turn out to be so frustrating,
"If I went on holiday, I'd want to take both of my kids with me."
He was in a sour mood because he'd agreed to Astrid's deal. To keep up appearances on both their ends, they were now splitting custody of Dylan. He was currently spending time with the Eks. Every time Dylan was with them and not with him, Lysander went a bit off the rails.
Julian suggested, "Maybe you should plan on taking them somewhere for Easter. We could all go to the island… make it a big family affair."
Lysander tried not to blow his top. He enunciated as calmly as possibly, "Astrid's got Dylan for Easter, since I had him for New Year's."
"They could always come along," Julian said, completely aware of the fact that Lysander was trying to main control of his emotions. "They're extended family, aren't they?"
"That's true," Lysander answered. It wasn't that he didn't like Astrid. In fact, he was eternally grateful for her stepping up to help him. He just wished she could have gone along with his plan without putting her two knuts in and insisting he go with her demands. His hands were basically tied.
"Do you want me to go see Charlotte's presentation?" Julian offered. "I'm free and I'm sure she'd be fine with having her uncle turn up rather than you."
Charlotte was giving a book report in her class at school today, and parents were welcome to come and watch.
Lysander shook his head. "I think I can manage."
Julian quirked his eyebrows, but he nodded and said, "Okay."
Lysander checked the time. It was more or less time to head out to Hogsmeade Primary Day. He thought he might be much calmer by the time he arrived at the school, but to be on the safe side, Lysander grabbed a foam stress ball from another desk drawer. He raised it in his hand, gave it a squeeze to show Julian he knew what he had to do to get his mind right, and then set off to see Charlotte at school.
Hand In The Cookie Jar
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 01-28-17 14:44
Starting to sound whiny Danielle asks, "How much longer?"
Phlagmelina shakes her head. "I don't know, sweetie. Hopefully not much longer."
As if having heard the question Mariposa enters the exam area. "Shouldn't be more than five minutes."
Adopting one child would be life changing. Adopting three even more so. Phlagmelina had no idea how much. She'd also known that helping with numerous nieces and nephews over the years wasn't the same as being a parent but, again, she had no idea just how much. Having a child whose magical ability is becoming daily more apparent is part of that having no idea how much.
Nine when adopted Danielle has since turned ten. There were tiny things here and there before her birthday but the day Danielle turned ten was having someone remove a dampening spell. This evening is just the latest example.
Danielle had gone into the kitchen to get a cookie from the cookie jar for herself as well as one for brother Gage and sister Rhona. She reached for the jar but instead of her hand grasping it, her hand went through it. The jar wasn't broken. Danielle's hand was through the jar as if there was a hole in it.
Phlagmelina tried a few spells and when none of those worked she'd thought to gently break the jar. That elicited screeches from Dani as if the stress on the ceramic to break it was stressing her arm as well.
The next step was see if sister-in-law Mariposa, a nurse, was available to come have a look. Mariposa came right over, with AJ and Jacinda following right behind. After trying several spells by herself and then working with AJ and Phlagmelina, Mariposa admitted to being stymied as well.
While AJ stayed with Jacinda, Gage, and Rhona, Mariposa came with Dani and Phlagmelina to St. Mungo's. The hospital hasn't seemed overly busy but like Wizarding and Muggle hospitals the world over, if one is not dying on the spot one ends up waiting. And waiting.
Mariposa's pronouncement was off but not by much. Seven minutes later one of the nurses on duty came into their exam area, closely followed by a healer. As they examine Dani, Phlagmelina and Mariposa explain what they've already tried.
It takes the healer almost a half hour to make progress. A short time after that Dani and the cookie jar are separated though Dani has a ring around her arm the robin blue color of the cookie jar. The healer says, "That should fade in a day or two."
Dani and Mariposa munching cookies from the jar as Phlagmelina finishes filling out parchmentwork that couldn't be completed until Dani had been seen. It's late, though not as late as it feels to Phlagmelina, when they and the cookie jar get home. After profusely thinking AJ and Mariposa, and giving the now sleeping Jacinda a kiss goodbye, Phlagmelina gets Dani to bed, reminding her she has school in the morning then checks on Rhona and Gage who have been desperately trying to stay awake to find out how Dani and, more importantly, the cookies in the cookie jar are.
Once she's gotten the children settled, a suddenly exhausted Phlagmelina goes to bed as well, falling asleep within minutes.
Challenging Work
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 01-29-17 08:07
At nearly one month in, Hermione found her position as Special Liaison to the Prime Minister quite challenging. The PM and those cabinet members who were privy to the existence of the wizarding world were either skeptical or critical of just about anything having to do with magic, despite every effort to give the new relationship between the two governments a chance. Hermione had to remind herself that for some, the discovery of foreign and unknown territory resulted in fear and distrust, while for others––such as in her own case when she first received her Hogwarts letter and found out that she was a witch––new worlds were met with curiosity and a hungry desire to learn more.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of those Hermione now worked with were in the former category. She found herself constantly having to defend why wizards, specifically the Ministry of Magic, did things a certain way. Hermione did her very best to exude patience, but it often wasn't that simple.
She wasn't ready to give up on the job Kingsley Shacklebolt had so kindly offered her, however. Hermione was determined to help bridge the gap between the two worlds, and with time, she just might be successful. Occasionally when not in an official meeting, the Prime Minister would ask her questions about what it was like to attend a school for magic. He also asked her about her life before Hogwarts. Did she ever miss it?
The short answer was no. The only thing Hermione missed about the Muggle world was her parents. She'd told the PM all about them, and how they had both ultimately died at the hands of an evil witch. Their untimely deaths were just another reason why Hermione felt it so important that she be there to keep the Muggle government informed of the potential dangers to their world… and vice versa.
Besides the challenges Hermione faced in her job, she also was learning a great deal about how the Muggle government worked. When time allowed, she borrowed books to read up on Parliament, including every single Act ever passed, beginning with the most recent. Hermione intended on being as well-versed in the subject as she could, so that she could all the better share her opinions on how to create a stronger partnership between the Muggle and wizarding governments.
"Your coffee," announced Bess van Ness, one of the assistants to the Prime Minister. She put the McDonald's cup onto the edge of Hermione's desk and then started to head off with the rest of her coffees and breakfast menu items.
"Thanks!" Hermione called to Bess' retreating figure.
Coffee and tea, as well as snacks of varying sorts, were readily available in the group of offices that comprised the PM's cabinet, but the team occasionally desired something from one of the nearby eateries. This morning, the gang had decided on something from McDonald's, which was located just across Westminster bridge.
Hermione's office was little more than a converted broom closet, but she didn't mind. It was outfitted with a phone, which was a bit more complicated than any she'd used recently, since it had multiple lines, a voicemail feature, and even a video-conferencing option. Hermione also had a computer with an internet connection. Besides reading up on Parliament, she was also having to catch up with modern technology.
She was in discussion to have some sort of window or sky light put in so that she could send and receive owl post, but the PM hadn't yet authorized the renovation. The room was far too small to add a fireplace, even a wood-burning stove. Hermione would probably end up sweating to death, if her desk didn't catch on fire first. That meant fire-talking was out, of course. The only viable solution for instant communication with the wizarding world was hanging a wizarding portrait in the room. The PM was keen to give her the one hanging in his office, which had since been uncovered, but it was still very much stuck to the wall.
For the present, Hermione made in-person visits to the Ministry of Magic whenever she needed to make a pressing announcement. She'd taken to disapparating from her office, which had caused quite a shock in the beginning and sent secret service scrambling to find out from where the gunshots were coming. She would have used a muffling charm to smother the noise, but she was concerned that using too much magic would wreak havoc with the electricity. Hermione didn't need the PM worrying about the collapse of his infrastructure because of a little magic!
Fortunately, she rarely had an urgent reason to visit the Ministry of Magic. Although everyone was still treading on eggshells, it seemed like the new partnership between the Muggle and wizarding governments was off to a good start.
(Adriana) Giddy
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 01-30-17 07:45
Adriana rushed down the crypt stairs with an unbound sheaf of parchment in her arms. She was so giddy with excitement and anticipation that she dropped half of her load. Parchment went everywhere. While Adriana scrambled to pick everything up, Alexander and the patient he tended to looked over with mild interest.
"Open your mouth and say 'ah'," Alexander instructed, after the distraction passed and he turned back to the Dark Lord.
It was difficult to read Voldemort's expression, since his face was unlike any other. He appeared to humor the healer and opened his mouth as requested. "Ah," he mimicked.
Alexander used a tongue depressor and his lit wand to look into Voldemort's throat and then took a step back, concluding, "Everything looks perfectly normal. No more sore throat, I gather?"
"That is correct," Voldemort replied. He was suddenly seized by a nervous tic and began fidgeting in his seat.
Adriana came over, setting the collected though completely disorderly parchments onto a side table, and frowned at her spiritual father.
"Can that be fixed?" she asked Alexander.
"Perhaps," he replied. "I'd like to consult Lestrange and Crouch about it." Their expertise in resouling individuals kissed by Dementors had helped speed Voldemort's recovery along. Perhaps the knowledge gained from returning lost souls to bodies could also be used to repair the Dark Lord's current neurological problems.
"I will summon them at once!" Adriana exclaimed.
"You speak as if I'm not here," Voldemort said, his affliction having passed for the moment.
Adriana instinctively reached for one of his thin hands and insisted, "We only want what is best for you!"
Voldemort seemed to take on a faraway expression, correctly assuming the Lestrange mentioned was his favorite one, and murmured, "Bellatrix blames me for her sister's death. Why would she help me?"
Adriana and Alexander exchanged uncertain looks. Neither had been around during the attack on Diagon Alley more than ten years ago. Alexander had been in Azkaban, and Adriana had been presumed dead. Nevertheless, Bellatrix's former rampage against Death Eaters and Voldemort Loyalists wasn't a secret, but it was one of those things that nobody gave any thought to anymore. She had come back and pledged her support to Adriana and the cause, and that was all that mattered.
Adriana, who had become somewhat excitable since New Year's Eve, when Voldemort had finally seemed to come out of his fog, didn't know what to say.
What came out was a ramble. "Water under the bridge and all that…"
Voldemort seemed to come out of his reverie and asked, "How long must I live in these conditions?" He meant being secluded in the crypt. The majority of Death Eaters still didn't know about his resurrection.
"We want to make sure you are 100% ready for your debut!" Adriana gushed. She could already imagine the shock on her followers faces when Voldemort emerged from the crypt, tall, imposing and in full health. It would be positively glorious!
"So I am to be a debutante, coming out to society. Will you get me a new dress, Adriana? Shall it be white to symbolize my purity?"
He asked the questions so deadpan, Adriana could hardly recognize he was telling a joke. She looked at Alexander, who cracked an uncertain smile, and then she nervously tittered.
"Soon," she promised. "In the meantime, I brought you some reading material." She picked up the parchments, which were all in disarray, and thrust them into his arms. "All of my exploits and plans."
Voldemort said, "I would also like newspapers, current and historical. I need to know what I've missed in my long absence."
"Consider it done!" Adriana exclaimed.
Friday Night Out (Caerwyn)
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 01-30-17 18:50
"Caerwyn?"
Caerwyn looks up at the sound of a familiar voice. "Iola, hi. Were you looking for me?"
She shakes her head. "A friend and I were going to have dinner but she suddenly didn't feel well. She left a minute or so ago. I paid for our drinks and was on my way out as well when I saw you. Are you waiting on someone?" The question is reasonable given it's a Friday night when many Caerwyn's age are on dates or with a group of friends.
"On my own tonight. If I was in the mood to cook I'd be at home making myself supper. I thought about takeaway but here I am."
He knows he should ask Iola to join him but Caerwyn also knows where the conversation will go if she does nevertheless he half stands, gesturing to the other side of the booth. "As you didn't get far enough with your friend to have dinner, join me if you'd like."
She smiles in acceptance. As she slides into the booth she comments, "It's Friday. I can't believe you didn't have plans with someone."
"Most of my friends are going to a party. Earlier in the week I had thought about going but I've been putting in so much time on project for a class that I'm too tired for a loud party with lots of people drinking too much."
They pause as the waitress approaches to take their orders. Iola had already decided on something before her friend ended up leaving so she hadn't needed to look at the menu when silently offered by Caerwyn.
After the waitress has gone Iola broaches the topic Caerwyn has no interest in discussing. "Though I hate that my friend is ill, I'm glad her needing to cut things short allowed me to notice you. I think if you'd just hear me out you'd change your minding about joining us."
Even before she's halfway through her train of thought Caerwyn has raised a hand, palm facing her, in a stop gesture but he waits until she's finished rather than interrupt. "I've told you, Iola, I'm not interested. I've heard you out how many times now and you've not swayed me even a little."
"But you'd be doing the greater good. Making a real difference."
"Living a lie in the process."
"It's not all like that."
"Yet from the time you reentered my life you were being deceitful and you weren't doing it because of the job."
"I was trying to protect you from some truths about your mother."
"I might have believed that if you'd admitted it somewhat early on but you chose to continue lying until you were literally at death's door. My answer is no. It will remain no. Accept that and we either move on or I'll have to see far less of you. I don't want to cut you out altogether but press me enough on this and I will."
Iola sighs to herself, her mouth pulled into a frown. After a long silence she says, "Fine. I'm sorry you feel this way but fine. I suppose a safe topic of conversation is school. How are your classes this term?"
As Caerwyn tells her about the courses he's currently taking he can't help but wonder how long Iola will be able to go before again bringing up joining her mysterious covert organization.