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Pho
Author: Carys
Date: 10-24-18 18:34
Carys entered the studio with takeaway from a Vietnamese restaurant around the corner. Juliet and Owen immediately came over to help her unload in the kitchenette.
"Your one o'clock cancelled," Juliet said, "so you can take your time eating."
"Cancelled or rescheduled?" Carys asked.
"Cancelled with the promise to reschedule at another time," Juliet answered. She looked at the different containers of food with a puzzled expression on her face. "Is this meat raw?"
Owen chuckled. "Yes. I'll show you what to do. Get me three bowls, please."
Juliet conjured the three bowls while Carys washed her hands. Owen used an extra set of chopsticks to put rice noodles into each bowl. Then, he distributed the meat, which consisted of eye round steak and lean brisket. After that, he grabbed the broth, which was steaming hot. He poured the container over both bowls of soup and said, "Prepare to be amazed."
Juliet watched as the raw meat cooked in the broth. "It's like magic, which we could have done, you know."
"Why? The Muggles know what they are doing when it comes to pho takeaway," Owen replied with a grin. "Okay, when it's done, we can add the green onion and bean sprouts, if you choose."
"It looks like Etheleen found herself a wedding photographer," Carys interjected. She had only just now gotten the chance to thumb through The Daily Prophet. The society page had a wedding announcement for her and Decimus Clarke.
Juliet came over and read aloud, "Clarke-Crunk." She looked at Carys. "Please tell me she isn't hyphenating."
"How would I know?" Carys asked. She pushed the paper away, lest she spoil her appetite. "Is it ready to eat?"
Owen handed her a bowl. "Dig in."
Flora (Mason)
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 10-25-18 20:05
In the last few minutes of class the professor hands out information on a parchment she wants no later than mid-November. Thinking that most of his classmates would be going home after class or off somewhere to study or to work on assignments due this week for other courses Mason makes for the library to see how far he can get in what's left of the evening with the research materials everyone in the class will need at some point between now and the 15th. When everyone else is vying for those materials, Mason can be utilizing other sources.
He finds a good spot from which to work, a sort of centralized table and soon has a stack of books to start working through. The table isn't in one of the designated areas for food and drink but as he works Mason stealthily eats from a bag of honey roasted mixed nuts wishing he'd gone and grabbed a more filling snack before coming to the library. He hadn't because while the St. Emrys library has much later hours than students were allowed at Hogwarts and later than any of the public libraries, it is not, unfortunately open 24 hours a day. Maybe that's something to put before the university board or whatever body makes decisions about such things as library hours.
He is in the process of stuffing another handful of nuts into his mouth when someone says, "Mason? Mason Jeffers?"
Caught in the act, feeling like a squirrel or chipmunk with bulging cheeks, Mason hastily looks around while racking his brain trying to think of whether he knows anyone who works at the library. His jaw starting to hurt from how rapidly he's trying to chew enough to swallow. He swivels one way then another only to find her somehow standing almost directly opposite, a expression on her face that is a combination quizzical and amused.
Something about her is familiar but not from anything recently that he can place.
She raises a questioning eyebrow at him. Flustered he stands, swallowing the last of the mouthful of nuts. "Yes, Mason Jeffers."
"It's been years but I thought so."
She smiles, showing two deep dimples. It's the dimpled smile that does it for him. A name jumps out.
"Flora Jeffery?"
Flora beams. "Fancy running into you here of all places. I had no idea you're wizarding."
"Same here. I mean about you. "You lived Muggle."
Flora and Mason had once gone to school together then the Jeffreys moved to Australia, or was it New Zealand?, and that was that. They'd been friendly but not friends, often ending up next to each other when the students were put in alphabetical order or if assigned partners based on the alphabet for some school project.
She gestures to the chair in front of her. "Mind if I sit?"
"No, not at all." He retakes his own seat, setting the book he'd been working out of off to one side.
"We lived Muggle because both Mum and Dad were Muggleborn. Neither could conceive of forever doing without a telly or not having a telephone. Now, they both know more about computers than I do and Dad is more addicted to his mobile than Mum is. What about you? Muggleborn? Half-Blood?"
"Half. Dad is a pureblood but ended up living as a Muggle. Mum knew nothing about all this," Mason makes a gesture to indicate the wizarding world in general, "until it was about time for me to get my Hogwarts letter. That's also when I learned I have a half-brother. Pyrrhus Fine."
"Wait, what? Pyrrhus Fine. The professional Quidditch player? Or is there another Pyrrhus Fine running around out there?"
"That's him. Did you go to school at Sydney's?"
"We moved again before I started but my older sister - you remember Jody?" At his nod she continues, "She started at Sydney's. When we moved it was to Florida so she transferred to the American Institute for Magical Studies and when the time came for each of the rest of us to start school that's where we each went as well."
As Mason catches up with Flora time flies. Before they know it they're being told the library is closing. Neither has any idea how it got to be so late without them realizing. Famished, Mason offers to buy Flora a late night snack, happy when she accepts. As they walk out to the nearest set of stairs to take them up to ground level he realizes how little research he got done and then realizes how little he cares about it at that moment.
Staying Busy
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 10-26-18 15:04
Fritz stifles a yawn and wonders if he should get another cup of coffee. Lately, he's found himself waking up super early in the morning and being unable to fall back asleep. He generally doesn't get up until he needs to, unless one of his and Coco's many pets has an urgent need of some sort. As a result of the early-morning wakefulness, Fritz finds himself yawning constantly throughout the day, and he's imbibed more caffeine than usual lately.
He decides to hold off on another cuppa until early afternoon, if he finds he still needs a pick-me-up by then. Instead, Fritz opts for pumpkin fizz. He keeps a bottle in his office and pours himself a small glass.
Fritz is already finished with his classes at Hogwarts for the week, though he still has office hours scheduled for this afternoon. Tomorrow morning, he has his introductory potions class at St. Emrys, followed by lab in the afternoon. He usually spends most of the day at St. Emrys on Thursdays, too. Friday's are split between the university in the morning and Hogwarts in the afternoon.
Needless to say, Fritz stays busy, which on the one hand keeps him occupied, but on the other hand adds to the tiredness he feels. A nice, long, and restful weekend is something he's yearning for, but it doesn't seem likely to happen any time soon.
Otto has officially moved in with Fritz and Coco. The lodging is temporary, since Fritz and Coco live in the wizarding world and Otto probably wouldn't want to live unplugged and off the grid forever, but Fritz and Coco have both told Otto that he is welcome to stay as long as he likes.
Otto ventures out while both are at work to look for a job and a place to live, but he also spends a lot of time caring for the different animals Fritz and Coco own or are fostering. It makes him feel useful, not that Fritz and Coco think he needs to earn his keep. He's their guest, though they are glad he likes their pets!
Although Fritz and Coco both work weekends on occasion, they also take the time to do things with Otto. They've taken him around Widecombe-in-the-Moor, visited Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, and gone into London to see Fritz's parents. It's been a busy, though fun time together.
Fritz yawns again and wonders if he should get up and take a walk. It's a bit too early for lunch, so there's definitely time for a walk around the castle or even the grounds. Fritz gets up, grabs his cloak, and sets out for a walk that will hopefully give him some much-needed energy.
Deposition
Author: Dante Knight
Date: 10-26-18 19:56
From outside the gates of Hogwarts Dante disapparates for London. Once there he locates the telephone booth to gain access to the Ministry of Magic's atrium. After signing in as a visitor he takes one of the lifts to Level 1, following a set of written instructions to reach his destination.
A witch in blue pinstripe robes tailored to look almost suit-like is at a conference table. She looks up when he walks in. "Mr. Knight?"
"Yes."
"Betty Zeigler," she says, coming from around the table, hand extended.
Bettina Zeigler is taller than he expected, her height added to by at least three inches from stylish stiletto heels. He steps forward to meet her, his own hand coming up. "Ms. Zeigler."
Another woman walks in carrying a large mug. Based on the aroma it's coffee. Seeing him she asks, "Would you like some? It's fresh. Just across the hall there."
"Thank you. Ms. Zeigler?"
"I'm good, thanks," she says with a gesture to a cup he'd not noticed before.
Dante makes short work of getting himself a cup of coffee, no so much because he's eager to get started but because he wants to get this whole thing over with. Back in the conference room he takes the indicated seat as Betty Zeigler thinks to introduce the other woman. "Our stenographer this morning, Gladwyn Wagstaff.
Dante raises his coffee cup in a cheers gesture then returns his attention back to Betty Zeigler. She resumes her own seat saying, "We'll get through the questions as quickly as we can. As you know your solicitor cannot sit in with us but if you wish to consult on a question, you can step out. As I know Mr. Conners can't be here for another half hour, I thought we'd go on and get started with the standards."
"Yes, fine."
She looks to Gladwyn Wagstaff with a nod. "We are on the record." Zeigler states the date and time and why they are there then with a smile at Dante instructs, "State your name for the record, please."
"Dante Knight."
"That is your legal name, is it not?"
"Yes."
"But not your birth name."
"No."
"What is your birth name?"
"Garrett Vickers."
"What is your birthday?"
"The 14th of August, 1982."
"Making you thirty years old."
"Yes."
"Your parents were Terrence and Lorraine Vickers?"
"Yes."
Dante is already finding the deposition tedious but the only way to avoid further questioning would be to get up right now, walk out, and then disappear. Stopping the proceeding and returning to Hogwarts would only serve as a delay.
Rocky, Sunshine, and he are being sued by the family of one of their parents' victims. It doesn't seem to matter to them that Gabriel Vickers and Guinevere Vickers were small children unaware of their parents' activities and crimes or that Garrett Vickers had not even been born yet. There's also the fact that if there's any fortune to be had as payment to the victim's family, Dante has no knowledge of it. His Hogwarts salary is comfortable for him but certainly would not be nearly enough to begin to cover his third of any restitution his siblings and he might be ordered to pay if the claimants, who opted not to sit in on the depositions, win the suit.
At least Zeigler was willing to schedule him for after the classes he teaches though depending on how long this thing goes he'll miss his afternoon office hours. As Dante takes a sip of coffee while Zeigler asks another question he thinks it's a good thing the coffee is strong and caffeinated or else the tediousness of the questions might put him to sleep.
(Azaelia) Dinner Run
Author: Isolde
Date: 10-29-18 16:02
Azaelia exited Brews & Stews with hot soup and bread to go with it, which she intended on eating in her quarters at Hogwarts. She wasn't in the mood to socialize in the Great Hall, and she didn't want to be seen eating alone at the restaurant. So, to the privacy of her quarters she set out––only to run into her mother on High Street.
Her mother was carrying shopping bags and tittering happily with an unfamiliar woman. Azaelia's first thought was how could her mother afford to do extravagant shopping, or any shopping at all for that matter? Her second thought was who was her new friend?
Nimuë Bramble spotted Azaelia after half a beat and said, "Darling! What a nice surprise. Oh, grabbing dinner for the night? Too bad we didn't run into you first. We could have all dined together."
Azaelia pressed her lips tightly together.
"Oh, is this your daughter?" asked the unknown woman.
"Yes, my only child. Azaelia is the librarian at Hogwarts. Azaelia, dear, this is my new friend, Ally. Ally works with witches like me who need a second chance. I went in for a job and we just hit it off."
Azaelia's eyebrow arched. "Did you actually get a job, Mother?"
"Oh, no, of course not. Your aunt and uncle haven't thrown me out yet, so it's not that urgent, is it? Oh, don't give me that look. I'm still keeping my options open."
Azaelia looked at Ally. She was a nondescript-looking woman, with plain features and hair that was a mousy shade between blond and brown. There was something in her eyes, though, that made her seem more than she appeared.
Ally met Azaelia's gaze and held it. It was Azaelia who looked away first. She turned to her mother and said, "See you later, Mum."
"Leaving so soon?"
"My soup will get cold," Azaelia said as she started to walk away.
"Let's get together later, the three of us!" Nimuë called out.
Azaelia waved in reply, not committing to it but thinking it might be worth the trouble.
Soup's On
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 10-29-18 19:20
Sage knocks on Jared's door and identifies himself. When after a full minute there's no response he knocks again more loudly. Repeats this after another minutes or so, once more increasing the volume of his knocking. When the knocks have reached a level more akin to banging he glares at the door, taking a deep breath and reminds himself of patience. Digging a key from a pocket he calls out, "Jared, I'm coming in!"
Sage enters the flat, unsurprised to find it dark. There's a musty odor as well that he takes to be because Jared most likely has not cleaned in weeks. A layer of dust on a table by the door attests to the no cleaning in awhile thought. There are not piles of dirty dishes or mounds of discarded food wrappers or takeaway boxes. One has to be eating regularly for that.
Across the small space a lump stirs on the couch. "I didn't answer for a reason," the lump mumbles.
With one hand Sage uses his wand to bring some light into the place, with his other he lifts the bag he carries. "I brought food."
"Not hungry."
"I'm not the chef my father was but I'm a fair hand."
"You're my best friend so don't take this the wrong way but just go."
Sage sets the bag down on the small dining table that's seen little use since Jared moved in. He rummages in cabinets and drawers finding plates, glasses, utensils, setting everything onto the counter. With one wave of his wand he sends it all to the table. With another wand wave he starts what dishes are in the sink to washing.
"Come on, mate. You have to eat."
"Told you, I'm not hungry." The lump burrows further under a blanket.
"You're practically skeletal, Jared. What use will you be to her when she's back and needs support while recovering?"
Jared snorts. "Why do all of you think this has anything to do with her?"
"It's been about her since she informed you of the divorce only to turn around and marry that cockwomble."
"Don't you have a new wife waiting at home for you?"
"Night class. Part of the advanced degree she's going after. Soup's on. Come eat."
"You're not going to leave me be until I come to the table, are you?"
"Not going to leave you be or leave at all until you not only come to the table but I witness you eating."
Jared grumbles. He'd plopped onto the couch when he'd arrived home from work and had planned to stay there until time to go to work tomorrow. If he thought about it he might even get a shower in at some point. Food was not on his Wednesday night agenda.
A poke in the side from Sage has him grumbling more but he finally moves again, sitting up, shoving lank hair out of his eyes. After another half minute or so he makes it off the couch to shamble to the table, eyes still squinted against the light. He doesn't sit in the chair Sage has pulled out for him so much as sort of fall into it. Sage sits as well, not taking a bite of his own food until Jared has taken a spoonful of the soup.
"There. I ate. You saw. Now go."
Sage shakes his head and grins. "Nice try, chum, but going to take more than that. Clean bowl AND clean plate club."
Jared scowls at him but does take another spoonful of soup.
Sage grins again. "So, how was work today? We had an interesting misuse of a Muggle artefact today. Someone put boxing gloves on a mannequin then charmed it to punch anyone who got within its reach."
Ice Scream
Author: Ginny Weasley
Date: 10-31-18 17:28
Ginny checks the chunky stew bubbling and gives it a stir. She puts bread in the oven to warm enough to get slightly toasty and melt the butter she's spread on the slices she'd made. Turning away from the stove she addresses her oldest child. "Jamie, quit playing with the spoons and put them out at each place."
He rolls his eyes though not where she can see. He complies but only after he's once more tried hanging one from the end of his nose. As he doesn't wipe it off before putting it on the table for supper he makes sure that spoon goes to Albus's spot. Busy putting napkins out for everyone if Albus saw he doesn't say anything. And if he'd seen he would have said something.
Ginny brings a pitcher to the table, pouring a little milk in the boys' cups and adding some to a spill proof cup then handing it to Lily in her high chair. "Albus, please tell Daddy supper's ready. Jamie, have you given more thought to what you want on your birthday cake?"
"Sort of."
"You need to hurry and decide."
"But my birthday is aaaaages away."
"No, it's in two weeks and I don't want to be last minute ordering it if you want it decorated special. If you don't want special decoration, either I'll make you a cake or Gran will."
"Then I want one like Daddy's funny book."
"Funny book?"
"The one with teeth."
"Ooooh," Ginny says with a laugh. "The Monster Book Of Monsters."
Why they still have Harry's Care Of Magical Creatures textbook from when Hagrid taught the course Ginny isn't sure. What she is sure of is that the book is in a cage high on a shelf out of children's reach and as an added layer of protection has a charm on it to keep little hands from reaching too close should someone - Albus in particular - climb those shelves to try and get to the items at the top.
"You're sure," she asks, checking the bread and pulling it from the oven.
"Yes, the funny book."
"As a cake."
"Chocolate."
"So is monsters the theme for this year's party?"
"What's that?"
Ginny thinks for a moment on who to define what a theme is in terms a not quite six year old would understand. "It's when all the decorations are for one thing, like all Quidditch or all dragons. Or how a party might be about Christmas with snow and trees, tinsel, and poinsettias or a party for Easter might have bunnies and baby chickens and the colors are all light shades. If you want a monster theme, then the decorations will be monsters."
Jamie grins. "Monsters, yeah. I want that."
"Want what?" Harry asks, walking in just in time to hear the tail end of what Jamie's said.
"Monsters for my birthday party."
After Harry is filled in on the theme he asks, "What sort of food goes with a monster themed party?"
Monster themed party foods and decorations is the main topic of supper conversation including the pudding after when Harry is spooning a little ice cream onto plates to go with the still warm from the oven apple pie Ginny made and Jamie snickers, "We have to ice scream as a monster food. Ice scream? Get it?"
Harry looks to Ginny with a laugh. "With a clever line like that he clearly takes after you."
An Idea
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 11-02-18 18:31
Hermione sat in her library at home and reviewed her notes on the abbeys where the Death Eaters might be hiding. She was in the rare position of feeling totally unsure what to think. No brilliant ideas came to her on how to determine which of the hundreds of abbeys was the right one. Then, there was the whole fact that the abbey might not even be in Britain. Hermione thought it likely that it was, given that the Death Eaters were a British dark faction, but how could she even know for sure when she couldn't figure out a single clue about the abbey's existence?
She felt wholly frustrated and wondered if simply being out of school for six-plus years was impacting her ability to think properly. Hermione knew she was missing something, but what?
"Mummy, look. I'm reading."
At some point during Hermione's attempt to figure things out, Rose had entered the library and climbed into a chair with a book open in her lap.
"I see," Hermione said. She decided to take a break from her task and went to see what Rose was reading.
"Dark Arts Defence: Basics for Beginners," Hermione read aloud after raising the front half of the book to look at the cover. "Are you planning on becoming an Auror like your father?"
"No," Rose replied, and she didn't elaborate.
Hermione ruffled her hair and then stopped when the images on the open pages caught her eye. The chapter was on Dark Detectors, and there were colorful diagrams of objects like probity probes and sneakoscopes.
Rose turned the page, but Hermione's mind remained on the dark detection devices. Maybe she had an idea on how to find the abbey after all.