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Morning Errands
Author: Marzipan
Date: 03-19-17 08:35
Marzipan got her children up and dressed and then led them to the Great Hall for breakfast. The three ate strawberry pancakes with maple syrup, sausage links, and strips of bacon. Carter and Vallon had chocolate milk, while Marzi drank a cup of French vanilla-flavored coffee.
After breakfast, the three bundled up and headed out the front doors, down the frozen lawn to the gates of Hogsmeade. It was cold, but it was sunny and not as miserable out as it otherwise could have been. With a chance of snow in the forecast, however, the sun would likely disappear behind heavy clouds at some point during the day.
The family made the short walk to Hogsmeade Primary Day, where Marzi made sure they were settled before she made the return trek to Hogwarts. She got as far as the school gates before she remembered that she wanted to pick something up from Dogweed and Deathcap. Fortunately, Marzi's first class wasn't until 10 am, so she had a little bit of time on her side.
She popped into the herb shoppe, which fortunately had early morning hours, and made her intended purchase, plus a little more. There were those who were in danger of overspending in a clothing store, but Marzi's weakness was plants. She eventually forced herself out of the shoppe, fearing she would be late to her own class.
The moment Marzi stepped out onto High Street, she collided into a witch who was in a great hurry. The witch dropped a very full leather coin purse, which spilled onto the cobblestones.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Marzi exclaimed, and she knelt to help the witch gather up her coins.
"Oh, it was my fault, dear," replied the witch. She looked up at Marzi, and her eyes widened with recognition. "You're Illyria's friend… Marzipan, yes?"
Marzi realized she knew the witch too. She nodded. "Esther, right?"
"That's correct. You both teach at the school, don't you?"
"Yes, and as a matter-of-fact, I'm going to be late if I don't make it back now. Here." Marzi scooped up the last remaining coins on the street and poured them into Esther's sack. Then, she helped the older witch up and said, "It was nice bumping into you. See you at the next meeting?"
"Yes, you probably will. Ta!"
Marzi smiled and said goodbye, and then she set off for Hogwarts.
Catching People Up
Author: Emerald Green
Date: 03-19-17 19:34
The Cauldron Clash-Dueling contingent arrived at Hogwarts late enough that Hunter had gone straight to bed, not noticing if anyone was still up in the common room, not bothering to brush his teeth, not bothering to change his clothes. He did at least take off his shoes.
Hunter was slow to get out of bed, dragging himself to shower at the last possible moment and still have time for some breakfast. He sat down at the Gryffindor table without paying attention to who occupied the nearby seats. He started a little with Tamsin Branstone asked, "How did the weekend go?"
"All right but could have been better. We got, ummm, 23? points I think it was. More in Dueling than in the Cauldron Clash."
"How did you do?"
"Not so great. I only managed a 9th. I didn't make any major mistakes with any of the three potions but some small ones, enough so I am NOT looking forward to class with Snape this afternoon."
"What about Marlow?"
"She got 12th."
Tamsin shuddered. "We're going to have an unpleasant time of it today, aren't we?"
"Yeah, most likely. Sorry."
"At least it wasn't me who gave a bad showing." She says this with a grin.
Hunter laughed then dug into his breakfast, filling her in on the rest of Cauldron Clash and on who from Hogwarts had done well in Dueling, and listening as Tamsin talked about a somewhat ho hum weekend here at Hogwarts.
Entering the Great Hall now for lunch, Jade starts for the Ravenclaw table, Penny Puckett rushing up beside her. "I was asleep when you got back. You slept in and we didn't have much chance to talk during Muggle Studies. If I'd not had a question for Professor Miller I'd have walked with here with you. How was the Dueling tournament?"
"Eh. I was the second person eliminated. On the bright side, Marlow got top honors in our group."
"Brilliant for Marlow but what happened to you? I was betting you'd finish in the top three."
"It was double elimination. I lost one match when I was a half second too slow to defend and ended up losing my wand. In another match that I won I took a hit that hurt my wrist but at the time it only stung. It wasn't until I was up again that I realized it was worse than a sting. I could barely grip my wand right and I had trouble casting spells. I made it through the match but with a poor performance the only hope I would have had of winning would have been somehow disarming the other person, a girl named Autumn who goes to Watling's."
Baron joins them then so Jade goes through the story again. Over lunch she fills them in more on the weekend as a whole. The time passes quickly and all too soon Baron and Jade are joining other seventh years leaving the Great Hall for the dungeons and Potions. Penny walks with them part of the way but as she's finished for the day she opts for a nap before starting on homework, not at all sad at not having Professor Snape this year.
Planning Ahead
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 03-20-17 18:25
"So, I was thinking about taking Dylan to Sweden for Easter," Astrid said, just moments after she let herself into Lysander's flat. She had Dylan by the hand and carried August over her shoulder. The younger of the two boys was rather drowsy.
Charlotte looked up from her homework and then got up to give her little brother a big hug. Dylan squealed and exclaimed, "Lolo!", which was his pet name for Charlotte. He could pronounce Charlotte nowadays, but Lolo was still what he called her.
Lysander finished scraping rice out of a pot and then carried the bowl to the table. He stopped to give Dylan a hug after Charlotte had released him and then told him to go wash up. Charlotte went after Dylan to also wash her hands and make sure he actually did it himself.
Lysander then turned to Astrid and asked, "Are you staying for dinner?"
"Since Axel is out of town, yes, I believe I will," she replied. "And you didn't answer my question."
"Easter isn't for a while yet," Lysander remarked, grabbing a dish of seasoned chicken from out of the oven.
"Isn't never too early to make plans for the holiday, Lysander."
He set the dish on a hot plate on the center of the table and then reached out to take the sleepy boy from Astrid's arms. "I'll put him on my bed," he said.
Astrid nodded and helped herself to something to drink. Lysander, meanwhile, carried August to his room and put a few pillows around him to keep him from rolling off of the bed. Then, he stopped by the bathroom to check on Charlotte and Dylan. Charlotte was standing over Dylan and making sure he was washing up properly.
She met her father's gaze in the mirror and smiled. "Almost done, Daddy."
"Great." Lysander went back to the kitchenette and found that Astrid had not only helped herself to a glass of wine, but she had also set the table. All that was left to do was to get the salad and a side of bread.
A few minutes later, everybody except for August was seated at the table. Lysander cut some chicken into small pieces for Dylan and then sat down to serve himself.
Astrid tried again. "So, Lysander, what say you about me taking Dylan to Sweden for Easter?"
"You're going to Sweden?" Charlotte asked. "I want to go! Oh, Daddy! Can I?"
Lysander did not like the way the conversation was going. First Astrid had insisted on taking his son away for Easter, and now Charlotte wanted to tag along!
Astrid jumped on it. "Oh, that would be so nice, Lysander. Dylan and August have grown close, you know, and it would be just perfect if Charlotte could join us. I think it would make the kids happy."
"Please, Daddy!" Charlotte pleaded.
Lysander tried hard not to show his displeasure. He said, "We'll talk about it later, Charlotte."
"But Daaaaaaddy…"
He silenced her with a look.
Astrid asked, "Must you really be such a spoilsport?"
Lysander fixed her with the same look, but it somehow wasn't as effective.
Face to Face
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 03-20-17 19:59
The maitre d' leads Coco to a booth halfway along the restaurant's left wall. Fritz had wanted to come but Coco thought that for this first meeting it might be best to go alone. She had no idea until now whether Deandra was coming or not.
Harlan is alone in the booth, quickly moving to stand when the maitre d' and Coco reach the table. He starts to move forward as if to hug her only to catch himself. He then begins to extend a hand as if to shake but again thinks better of it. Coco could have helped him out by extending her own hand but she doesn't.
She slides into the booth, accepting a menu from the maitre d'. The man glides away, seemingly unaware of the tension between the middle aged wizard and twenty-something witch.
Coco had given a great deal of thought on whether to finally meet Harlan. Until giving her name to the maitre d' she hadn't been sure she'd go through with the face-to-face.
His voice quivering slightly Harlan's first words to Coco are, "Thank you for coming."
Coco has no idea how to respond. You're welcome doesn't seem, or feel, right.
Harlan glances to the menu them back to Coco. "Everything is good here."
Coco can't say she has much of an appetite but for something to do that does not involve speaking to the man across from her, she picks up her own menu and opens it, holding as a shield between him and her. She quickly selects a salad but continues holding the menu up until the waitress approaches.
When the waitress has gone, Harlan clears his throat. "Nothing I say will ever make up for what I did to Briony. There is no excuse."
Coco speaks to Harlan for the first time. "No, no excuse for it. The thing is, though, if not for what you did I wouldn't exist."
Harlan starts to say something about how she is the one positive but him though he thinks it, saying that aloud might come off trite, as wrong. He is the one now mute. He has so much he wants to say, so much to tell her, so much to ask her but is unsure of how to proceed. Coco, having finally spoken returns to her silent state, the two watching each other across the table, uncomfortable and wary. She wants to get up and leave but can't seem to make herself move. Harlan too is having thoughts of bolting but after the long wait to meet Coco if he were to abruptly leave now he doubts he'd ever get her to agree to see him again. Both are thinking this may be a long, and quiet, dinner.
Between Exams
Author: Christopher Chant
Date: 03-21-17 19:51
Exiting a classroom where he's just written a final exam Christopher debates getting something at one of the school's canteens or going off campus. He'd wait to see what Catriona wants to do but she's got an exam that begins in a half hour. She's estimating based on past tests in the course that she'll need most of the allotted time to complete the exam. By then Christopher has another final examination to write.
He's not all that hungry but needs something to get him through this next test. Christopher's appetite has been off since last week. He'd finally stopped having nightmares and flashbacks to killing Harvey. His appetite was back to normal. Last week all that changed when Harvey's family decided to file a wrongful death suit against Christopher.
Those from the Ministry of Magic's Department of Magical Law Enforcement who worked the case deemed Harvey's death as accidental and in self defense. No charges were brought against Christopher. For reasons known only to themselves Harvey's family waited months after Christopher was cleared to file the suit.
He thinks that whatever the reason or reasons for the delay when they did decide to file they chose last week knowing that Christopher attends St. Emrys and knowing that Hilary Term was soon ending. He thinks they're hoping to sabotage his concentration, resulting in a poor performance on each of his final examinations.
Christopher understands their hurt, their anger, their grief. He does. What he doesn't understand is why they would wait such a long time to take action. Doesn't this just drag all of those emotions out even longer? Keep them fresh?
As if knowing what's on his mind as he walks toward the canteen dubbed Orange, Amalia appears coming from a hallway that intersects the one he's on. Seeing him she does a stutter step. Another stutter step then Amalia stops altogether, waiting from him to reach her.
"Christopher," she says.
Thinking she's just being polite he cordially replies, "Amalia," without stopping.
When she pivots and falls into step beside him he slows then does stop, expectantly asking, "Yes?"
"I am sorry about the lawsuit. It is little consolation but when asked to testify against you, I refused."
He's momentarily gobsmacked but quickly recovers. "Thank you."
"If you need me, I will testify for you."
"Again, thank you."
Amalia and Christopher stare at each other for a long moment before she points in the direction he's just come. "I must be going. I have an examination."
"Good luck."
She flashes a quick, tight smile then pivots back around and continues on to her destination and whatever exam it is. Christopher resumes walking to Orange where he still isn't all that hungry but is a little more hungry than he had when first starting towards the canteen.
Visiting the Becks
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 03-22-17 18:24
Bronwyn gathered up several large shopping bags, shrunk them down to a manageable size, and then used the Floo to travel between her Greenwich duplex and the Beck residence in Manchester. Toby had Quidditch practice, otherwise he would have come along to visit his family.
When Bronwyn arrived, Ariella was nearby to greet her. She gave Bronwyn a quick hug and said, "Thanks for coming."
"Oh, it's no trouble at all," Bronwyn replied with a smile. "When you made the suggestion, you had to know I would jump at the chance to do some therapeutic shopping, even if the therapy is really for someone else."
Ariella laughed. "I knew I could count on you."
"Where is everybody else?"
"The kids are being entertained by Gramps while I fix dinner," Ariella said, "and Alanna…" She let the sentence dangle unfinished and looked out the darkened windows.
Bronwyn followed her gaze and remarked, "But it's freezing."
"Alanna doesn't seem to feel anything, but who can blame her?" Ariella said. "She seemed okay when she first got out, but I think everything has finally hit her. Nana's death is probably the worst of it. But if you factor in how Reed manipulated her fears and basically destroyed her life, then it's no surprise she's not doing well at the moment. I hope she'll heal with time, but it's hard to tell. At least she's home now, and I can look after her as well as Gramps."
Bronwyn put a hand on Ariella's arm. "And how are you?" she asked.
Ariella offered her sister-in-law a small smile. "I could be better, but I don't feel like my lot in life is the worst right now. Adam doesn't know his father and Karina has stopped asking about him. And as for me?" She gave a little shrug. "I think I'm finally coming to terms with the fact that's he's not coming back."
"Sounds like you are healing, then," Bronwyn said, smiling.
Ariella looked at the small shopping bags Bronwyn still carried and said, "Why don't you show Alanna what you brought her, and I'll finish getting dinner ready."
The plan decided, Bronwyn went out the back door and immediately started shivering. She found Alanna sitting on the patio table with her feet on one of the chair seats. Alanna was dressed warmly, but not warmly enough to stay comfortable without moving. It was also after dark, so it was much colder now than it had been earlier in the day.
Bronwyn went over, enlarged her bags, which she set on the table, and said, "I brought you some new things for your wardrobe. I thought you could use some freshening up after… well, after everything. Do you want to see? Could we maybe… go inside?"
Alanna looked over and then murmured, "You didn't have to."
"Oh, I wanted to. Believe me!"
Alanna slowly got off the table and allowed Bronwyn to escort her back inside the house, where they went to Anthony's old room, which was hers now. When she first moved in as a young child, she had shared a room with Ariella. That room was now occupied by Ariella, Karina and Adam.
Bronwyn wasted no time in showing off all the outfits and accessories she had purchased for Alanna. There wasn't a lot of time before dinner to try things on, but Alanna was a good sport despite lacking any real enthusiasm or energy for the fashion exercise.
When Ariella called everyone to the table a short while later, Bronwyn noticed a stack of newspapers on the bottom of the little drink cart in the corner of the room. Every front page this week had a new article about Reed Wycombe's schemes. Some of the articles even had Katherine's name on the byline. It was only a matter of time before the legality of some of his high profile cases would be called into question.
With Petra
Author: Jet
Date: 03-22-17 20:29
Sitting in one of the student lounges scattered about the university complex, mugs of coffee on the table between them, Petra flips a notecard over to check herself, places the card in a stack to the side, then glances at what's written on the next notecard in the stack. Before fully taking in what's written she invites, "Tell me again, Jet, why I let you talk me into take a night course when I have two small children, a husband, and a full-time job."
"For the joy of learning."
Petra making a clicking, tsking sound. "Try again."
"For the added time you get to spend with your best friend."
Petra makes a derisive snort. Jet chuckles. She makes a face then asks, "You never said why you couldn't meet for lunch to get in some studying."
"Today is the anniversary of my sister's death. Mum likes do something special and likes it if I can be there. As I've got this exam tonight we did a family thing at lunch."
"You never talk about her."
"My sister? Not much to say. As you know, I never knew her."
"But you've never said why exactly."
"Ruby was born with a rare syndrome. The healers did what they could but hers was an extreme case. They'd get one thing fixed or corrected only to have another issue become life threatening."
"That's so sad. I can't imagine the heartache." Petra goes quiet before adding, "They had to go through loss all over again when you went missing. They must have been devastated."
"From what I've been told, yes. They actually weren't thrilled when I decided to finish at Hogwarts. They hadn't had me back long and there I was going off."
Jet starts gathering this thing. "We'd best start for class."
"Yes, and sorry. I don't mean to pry."
"You're not prying. None of this is secret. I just don't think that much about Ruby, bad as that sounds, because she was gone long before I was born."
Sad eyes fix empathetically on Jet. "Still, I'm sorry. What a topic of conversation just before we sit for an exam."
As they walk to the classroom, quizzing each other along the way, Jet can tell Petra feels guilty for wanting to know more about Ruby. As a way to show her he truly is fine with her asking and she has no need to feel guilty, he'll offer to buy ice cream or cheesecake or something when they're finished with the exam. Maybe that's when he'll tell her he thinks Emerson has started following him again.
Grading Research Papers
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 03-25-17 14:52
Charlie finishes grading the last of a stack of papers and reaches for his grade book. It's charmed to automatically record grades but it's always best to check. As with Quick Quotes Quills and similar things don't always get written exactly right. There are a few in this particular class who would be chuffed to have their research paper grades wrongly recorded in their favor.
All students in the class may take their papers and revise them for a chance to improve the mark. As the research paper grade stands in for the final exam grade he hopes students will take advantage of the extra time and the notes he made when marking the papers.
Of the his classes writing exams, the night class has taken the final. Charlie had give the night class students the option of writing the exam this week or next during the official last week of Hilary Term. The majority voted for this week, the thinking being one less exam to worry with next week.
As Hendrika is scheduled for surgery towards the end of next week, having less to do here at St. Emrys is fine with Charlie. They had, or rather Hendrika had with Charlie's input, decided to have the heart transplant that her team of healers had suggested. Though such procedures are Muggle in nature, the group of healers are going to use mostly Wizarding techniques.
Normally, a person waiting for a donor heart is on standby. When someone dies who is a donor and a match, the person is notified and surgery is quickly scheduled as there is a limited time frame before the donor heart begins to degrade. The donor in Hendrika's case is a Muggle who was in an accident.
The donor - Charlie nor Hendrika know at this point if the donor is male or female - has been on life support. Though declared brain dead the family has clung to the hope that the doctors have been mistaken and their loved one will recover. Finally accepting a recovery will not happen the family has decided to remove life support. They chose a day next week, giving friends and all family who wish time to say goodbye.
Getting Hendrika on the Muggle donor registry and arranging for this Muggle heart to come into Wizarding healer hands is a process Charlie has only a basic understanding of. All that has mattered to him is that it was possible to do and Hendrika is scheduled to have her curse wounded heart replaced with a healthy one.
There are still risks of course. She could die during the procedure. Though as perfect a match the donor heart is and with Wizarding potions and spells in place, Hendrika could reject the heart. The alternative, however, is for Hendrika's cursed heart to continue slowly killing her.
Students hoping to get their research papers in case revisions are necessary are at Charlie's office door. After that small group has gone, most of the others from the class drop at a steady rate until Charlie goes to lunch, a few of them making appointments to discuss with him what revisions they need to make.
Sprites
Author: Jolyon
Date: 03-26-17 09:24
Professor Kent roved around the barn and observed his fourth years as they tended to the flower and grass sprites they had learned about at the start of class. The sprites were a bit on the lethargic side, since it was still officially winter. However, they weren't as dormant as they would be if out in the wild, since it was quite cozy in the barn. Perhaps next school year Jolyon would push back the unit on flower and grass sprites to springtime.
Flower and grass sprites were little human-like figures that, as their name suggested, resembled flowers and grasses. They were creatures, not plants, though some knowledge of Herbology was needed for their care. These sprites were quite docile and good for the garden, but they did not make good pets because they preferred being in the great outdoors and seemed to grow depressed while in captivity.
The flower sprite Mulberry Jones was in the process of adding fresh soil and fertilizer to was beautiful. It looked like a pretty lady with red petals for a dress and a matching hat. Its arms were two long, green leaves.
The sprite Finley Pride tended to was a white daisy. The white petals looked like a skirt, and it had white petal hair to match. The sprite twirled in its pot while Finley gently watered the soil.
Meanwhile, the grass sprite Jeb Burleigh fed looked like a man. His body was flesh-colored and dirty, and sprouts of green protruded from his back and the top of his head. Similarly, the female-looking grass sprite Sarafina Sutton worked on had grassy hair piled on top of her head and wore clothing made out of blades of grass.
"Just a few minutes more," Jolyon announced, when he noticed the time.
Jolyon didn't have any more classes today, nor did he officially have afternoon office hours on Thursdays. He planned on sticking around in case anybody dropped by to talk to him, though. The Best in Show: Magical Creatures event was at the end of the month.
The students involved had made great progress. Susan Fricks' cat Buttercup had a soft, shiny coat. Seth Weasley's pygmy puff's green fur was lusciously thick. Conrad Ellis' Granian pranced around like a natural-born show horse. Arielle's crup Pete had learned a few tricks. The other magical creatures were all amazing in their own right, and their student handlers had done an excellent job preparing them for the rapidly-approaching SAT event.
Jolyon couldn't wait for the event, which was scheduled to take place at Hogwarts. He had already made preparations for the guests and their pets, some of which would require special accommodations.
"Time!" Jolyon called, when class officially ended. "Leave your sprites where they are. I'll see to them now. Enjoy your weekend."
The fourth years gathered their things, put on their winter cloaks, and set out for the castle.
Asking The Question
Author: Errol
Date: 03-26-17 20:22
As he enters the Wyrding Way Errols notices Quinn Fairfax seated at a corner table. He doesn't mean to keep checking she's still there as the line to order coffee or tea moves him closer to the counter. A little voice in his head that sounds far too much like Megara's urges him to go talk to the professor.
When he has drink in hand, a dark roast coffee with a dollop of cream, Errol starts for Professor Fairfax's table, the Megara voice warring with the inner voice that sounds more like the usual one. He turns for the door, takes a few steps then turns back toward her table.
She looks up as he nears, making it impossible for him to once again head for the exit. Taking a mental deep breath Errol closes the distance. "Good evening, Professor Fairfax. May I ask you a question?"
She offers a half-smile. "Mr. Anderson. Would you think me mocking you if I were to point out you just asked me a question?"
Errol gives a small nervous laugh. Professor Fairfax's smile widens slightly. "What is your question, Errol?"
"You have a picture in your office that I think includes my father. I've been wondering if it is."
She gestures for him to sit. "If your father is Elliot Anderson then, yes, that's he in the photo." Anticipating his next question she says, "We went to school together." Recalling how long it's been since Errol was last in her office Professor Fairfax asks, "Why did you take so long to ask about that photo?"
"You had never said you knew him, only that you are familiar with the area I'm from," he replies with a shrug, not wanting to admit he's intimidated by her.
She counters, "I didn't know you are Elliot's son. He has a brother and there are other Rosses in the area who aren't related that I know of. How is he these days?"
"I don't know. I was five the last time I saw him."
"When you were five? What happened?"
"He sometimes went away overnight. Sometimes it would be longer. That last time he never came back."
"Not a word since?"
"Nothing. He either chose to disappear or someone did it for him. If someone did something to him there's never been any evidence and never a body found."
"I'm so sorry. I had no idea. What of Jennica? Or is someone else your mother?"
Errol stares blankly at Professor Fairfax, trying to process the name Jennica. Before the silence becomes overly awkward and uncomfortable he informs her, "I was raised by Ross, my uncle."
"Again, I apologize. I didn't know. My parents moved from that area and none of my siblings settled there. There are few from there with whom I've kept in touch. Was your mother ill?"
Errol shakes his head. "No, or I should say I don't know. She left the hospital right after I was born. Decided she didn't want to be a mother or a wife."
Professor Fairfax's expression is one of sympathy. "I can't imagine walking away from one of my children."
Feeling suddenly embarrassed, though why he doesn't know, Errol picks up his coffee. "I should get going. Thank you for allowing me to intrude."
"I'm glad you did. Next time you speak with your uncle, tell Ross Queenie Hastings says hello."
"I'll do that, professor. Thank you again. Have a good night."
As Errol leaves the Wyrding Way he now has an explanation as to why Ross wasn't familiar with the name Quinn Fairfax when asked and he clings to the name Jennica, wondering if at long last he knows his mother's first name.
(Adriana) The Big Reveal
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 03-27-17 18:42
Adriana could hardly contain her giddiness. Today was the day that she would reintroduce Lord Voldemort to his loyal followers. It was really quite fitting to announce his return on the anniversary of his death. This day when the Death Eaters mourned and the rest of the world rejoiced would finally see a change for the better. Eleven years was too long a time to be without their master.
Adriana would have waited till evening to summon the Death Eaters to the abbey, but she simply couldn't wait to share the glorious news. The Death Eaters who held jobs or had other daytime obligations would have to come up with an excuse to answer her call. Perhaps Lord Voldemort would take pleasure in punishing the stragglers and absentees to his big debut.
He was much improved. In the two weeks since he received his new wand, he had relearned and remastered much of his spellwork, though he wasn't quite as spry as he used to be. Lord Voldemort still had the occasional tic, though he never had fits anymore. His mind seemed nearly completely healed, but his body sometimes didn't react quickly.
Adriana would have wanted nothing more than to show Lord Voldemort off in perfect physical health, but she knew that he would only grow stronger if he left the confines of the abbey crypt. He had also grown restless. If he was ready to rejoin the world, then who was she to stop him?
Although there was sun overhead, the walls of the abbey cast shadow into parts of the cloister. It was a bit on the nippy side, especially with the wind blowing, but it wasn't a miserable day. Adriana was dressed in new robes, and she wore a red cloak lined with ermine fur. She wore her hood up and her hair down to better protect her neck from the cold.
Adriana removed her wand from the pocket sewn into her robes and pressed the tip to her Dark Mark. Then, she waited for the Death Eaters who weren't already onsite to materialize. The others joined her in the cloister and waited for the arrivals. They came in spurts, and when the majority were accounted for, Adriana decided she couldn't wait any longer.
She smiled and announced, "I have no doubt that you believe you were called here to mark the anniversary of the Dark Lord's death. On that day he fought bravely, but still he perished. We lost our leader that day, and though we have done our best to follow in his footsteps in the years since, our efforts pale in comparison to all he achieved."
As Adriana spoke, she gazed from Death Eater to Death Eater. In this private place, they wore no masks, so she could see their expressions and temperaments clearly. She knew very well that some of those present today had found themselves disenchanted with the Dark Lord in the final years of his life. The faces of those who'd had such feelings but never defected from the Death Eaters betrayed nothing, though. It was as if the past was in the past and the future was ever so bright.
She took a breath, and her eyes danced excitedly when she asked, "What if I told you that death doesn't have to be permanent?"
There were some intrigued expressions among the Death Eaters who had no idea what she had been doing all this time. Those few in the know––Bellatrix, Barty, and Alexander––grinned.
Adriana announced exuberantly, "Our Dark Lord has returned to us! He is alive and well, and he has come to take his rightful place at the head of the Death Eaters."
The intrigued looks turned to murmurs, but when Lord Voldemort himself emerged from the abbey to join the others in the cloister, several Death Eaters fell to their knees in supplication.
He looked just as they remembered and said nothing as his gaze swept from wizard to wizard. Some of the Death Eaters he knew well from years of service. Others were known to him but hadn't received the Dark Mark under his leadership. Others still were complete strangers. The absence of a few past followers was not lost on him either. He would have to find out if they were dead or disloyal.
Adriana had never felt happier. She smiled and exclaimed, "All hail Lord Voldemort!"
Slightly Concerned
Author: Isolde
Date: 03-28-17 18:38
Isolde finished cleaning up the kitchen after supper and then joined Pyrrhus on the sofa, where he was listening to a sports broadcast on the WWN. Five-month-old Gio sat on the carpet and played with a stack of colorful rings. Gio couldn't yet crawl, but he had mastered the art of sitting and keeping himself entertained.
Pyrrhus put his arm around Isolde and drew her into his shoulder. "Stop worrying about it," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"I'm not worrying," she replied, though even as she said the words, she knew it wasn't true.
"You're not the quiet sort, and when you spend ages cleaning, I know you've got something on your mind," Pyrrhus said.
Isolde sighed. "Okay, so maybe I'm a little worried," she said.
She'd found out that Frieda Fenford had gotten out of prison. Isolde had thought that she, one of Frieda's victims, might get notified when it happened. If it had happened, the owl bearing the news must have gotten lost.
Isolde found out about Frieda because she saw her in Diagon Alley earlier that day. At first, Isolde hadn't been sure the thinner, somewhat haggard-looking witch was Frieda at all, but the longer she stared, the more she realized it could only be her. Azkaban had certainly changed Frieda, but Isolde recognized her all the same.
How could one forget the face of the person who had destroyed her career as a professional Quidditch player, and who had cursed her so badly that she'd nearly lost her life and to this day still sometimes required the assistance of a cane?
Isolde was fairly certain that Frieda hadn't noticed her in Diagon Alley, and she'd left in a bit of a hurry after making the positive identification because she'd had Gio with her. Isolde didn't want Frieda to think about getting her revenge by harming her son.
"It's been ten years, and let's face it," Pyrrhus added, "you're not a threat to her on the Quidditch field anymore. Not that any team would take her, mind you."
"I know, but what if she's been stewing in prison for the last ten years?" asked Isolde.
"Or maybe it's the opposite. Maybe she has seen the error of her ways." Py gave her a squeeze. "I don't want you to worry when there might not be anything to worry about. I think the first thing we should do is talk to someone in the law enforcement. We'll probably have a better handle on things after that."
Isolde nodded. "You're right. I just don't like that she's out."
"I don't either," Pyrrhus admitted.