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Kaycee - Budding Relationship
Author: Lee Sickleby
Date: 01-14-19 18:21
After spending the time since Herbology in the Commons, Kaycee wandered not to the Great Hall for lunch, but to the base of the trapdoor that led to the Arithmancy & Divination classroom. Ever since returning to Hogwarts after winter break, she and Chip had been seeing a lot of each other. It had started on the train ride back to school and had progressed to taking meals together, studying at the same table in the library, and occasionally walking each other to or from class.
Arithmancy & Divination was a class Kaycee knew Chip didn't have with his best friend, Alys. Kaycee tried not to get jealous over the fact that Chip's dearest friend was another girl, but she couldn't help but feel green with envy sometimes. Alys and Chip were the same age and had much more in common than Kaycee and Chip, or at least that's how Kaycee felt.
She needn't have worried, and she knew it. Chip had taken a liking to her and vice versa during the December Hogsmeade trip. Their budding relationship was going just fine.
The trapdoor lowered and the sixth year students came down the ladder, one by one. Kaycee stood off the side and waited for Chip, who grinned when he noticed her leaning against the wall.
"Hi," he greeted.
"Hi," she replied with a smile. "Want to stop by the Common Room, or do you want to go straight to the Great Hall?"
"Let's eat first. Don't you have a class in the next hour?"
"Yes," Kaycee replied, nodding her head.
They set off, bumping hands and shoulders as they walked closely together. The pair talked about how their morning classes had gone and then talk shifted to how news had broken that Gerry and Will had sneaked a quod into the last Quidditch match.
When she first heard about it, Kaycee knew the quod had meant to explode on her and not Tessa Filby, who was Chip's ex-girlfriend and someone with whom he was not on good terms. He wasn't sorry she'd been hit, but he didn't say too much about it otherwise, which Kaycee was rather glad about. She was sorry Tessa had gotten hit by the quod, because it should have been her.
At least Gerry and Will had cost Gryffindor points and were in big trouble with Professor McGonagall. Kaycee supposed it was too much to ask for them to get expelled, but maybe that would still happen. The two weren't capable of staying on good behavior.
Kaycee and Chip reached the Great Hall and went to the Hufflepuff table, where they each ate half a BLT sandwich, potato crisps, and small bowls of creamy macaroni and cheese. They washed it all down with hot tea.
(Paton) Surprises
Author: Griet
Date: 01-16-19 17:05
Paton smiled his thanks at the helpful librarian who'd checked him out at the front counter and then took the calculus book he had borrowed to his usual table. Britney was already there, highlighting passages in her textbook as she read. Paton hated writing in his books and had told Britney as much, but she did as she pleased.
The pair often shared 'their' same table in the library. They largely worked separately and in silence, which may have seemed awkward at first given how they'd met but had gradually become something normal. In fact, whenever Paton was in the library and Britney wasn't, he missed her company. He wasn't sure if she felt the same way, but he kind of thought so.
It was the second day of Hilary Term. Paton had attended several of his new classes but not all. Some were continuations from last term, while others were on similar topics or completely new. In all honesty, he was super glad classes were back in session because his winter break had been too eventful for his tastes.
He was sorry to leave his dorm for home, but Paton suffered through it because his presence made his mother happy. At first, he'd only had to endure his mother's boyfriend Flavius and festering Festus, but then full-of-it Fulvia came home from Hogwarts. The children had done their usual picking on him, but he'd not come out any worse for wear… only annoyed by their juvenile antics.
Paton spent Christmas Eve with the Flavershams and Christmas Day with the Vanderbilts. He'd gotten quite a shock when, after the meal and present exchange, he and his father and his father's parents were instructed to take a portkey––a stuffed animal niffler––to an undisclosed location for an unknown purpose. The four took hold of the toy and found themselves transported to an unfamiliar house, where they met Beatrix, who'd been noticeably absent from the family gathering, and Ash Westwick, who was supposed to be dead.
After the initial shock wore off, Paton and the others learned that Ash and Beatrix were married as of the previous day and that they were leaving for the British Virgin Island of Tortola in a few days, where they would live in hiding using the assumed names Shaw and Bindi Wickets. Congratulations turned into goodbyes, though Paton knew he would see his cousin and new cousin-in-law again someday. Prior to departing the house, the foursome underwent a secrecy spell to protect the safety and well-being of Shaw and Bindi.
Paton looked across the library table at Britney. He'd never shared a lot about his personal life with her and vice versa. His roommate Archie, being very sociable, knew some things, but Paton literally couldn't tell him much of anything about Beatrix thanks to that secrecy spell.
Britney put down her highlighter when she noticed Paton looking at her. Rather than ask him why, she said, "There's a mixer on the Saturday before Valentine's Day. Do you want to go with me?"
Paton found himself nodding before he could form the words "Sure. Yeah, that sounds like fun."
"Great." And she picked up her highlighter and resumed reading.
Paton suddenly couldn't help but smile. He opened his library book but had a very hard time concentrating on calculus.
Trustworthy
Author: Saffron
Date: 01-16-19 19:07
Coming off the bottom step of one staircase a student who looks relieved to see Saffron says, "So glad I didn't have to go all the way up to your classroom and office, professor. There's a lady here to see you."
Turning towards the main entrance rather than in the direction of the Great Hall, Saffron wonders who might be dropping in without letting her know ahead of time. She's disappointed when the lady turns out to be Dolores Umbridge. As it's not quite noon she greets the other woman with, "Good morning, Dolores."
Rather than return the greeting or even make an attempt at cordiality the older witch grumbles, "Not so sure about the good part."
Saffron waits to be enlightened on the reason for Dolores's visit with what she hopes is a neutral expression.
A flurry of activity of students steaming in from outside, eager to get to warm and to get to the Great Hall for lunch has Dolores stating in what almost sounds like an order, "We should talk elsewhere."
If her classroom and office weren't such a trek, which would mean being longer in Dolores's company than she'd like, she beckons Dolores to follow then pivots around, leading her to the nearest empty room. Once there, Saffron shuts the door then again waits in silence for Dolores to get to the point of this visit.
Dolores produces a parchment, quill, and ink pot. "I want to take Senna for a long weekend. I need not only your permission but that of Sasafrass's and Sage's. Just sign here."
"Take Senna where?" Saffron inquires without making a move to take the parchment.
"A holiday to the Amalfi Coast. A friend has a cottage there and has offered its use."
"You have tried repeatedly to gain custody of Senna and, at present, you are only allowed supervised visitation. What makes you think we're going to simply sign off on a long weekend away?"
Dolores sighs, not from apparent sadness but a sigh of one put upon by someone who is lacking in intelligence and requires great patience to deal with. "Yes, I wanted custody of Senna. You and Sasafrass both have children and while Sage does not yet he may well now that he's married. I, on the other hand, have no children and as Senna is the beloved daughter of my dearest cousin, it's natural that I would like to give the child a home. I also thought I might be best for her following the tragic loss of both parents. I have accepted that the court does not agree. I have not pressed the issue in quite some time."
Saffron slowly inhales deeply. "Still, we have not progressed to the unsupervised visitation stage much less going off on holiday just Senna and you."
A flash of thunderous irritation flashes across Dolores's face. "When might we be at that stage?"
"We get there when we get there."
"What does that mean?"
"Time and patience, Dolores. We have to be able to trust you."
"I am a highly trustworthy witch," Dolores indignantly hisses.
Only with those who share your point of view Saffron muses to herself. She diplomatically says, "In most instances, I'm sure that's true."
Dolores huffs again, wagging the parchment in Saffron's face. "Sasafrass and Sage might see this my way. I'll be back when I have their signatures."
Saffron reaches to open the door. "Shall I see you out, Dolores?"
Without replying, Dolores sweeps past Saffron, stalking back in the direction from which they'd come. Moving at a slower pace, Saffron moves not towards the Great Hall for lunch but in the direction that will take her to the owlery by the fastest route. Sassy and Sage will want to know of their impending visits from Dolores. At least there will still be time after to grab a spot of lunch before her 1:45 pm third years class.
Soup and Sandwich Meeting (Glori)
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 01-17-19 19:06
Glori orders a soup and sandwich combination then finds a seat, not difficult on a Tuesday at this time of the evening in Brews & Stews. She spends the handful of minutes waiting on her order by looking over the rough sketches she made during a meeting at Amber's. When she gets up to get her order she sees a familiar face. "Caerwyn, hi. How are you?"
"Good, thanks. How about you?"
"Good. At you at St. Emrys this term?"
"I am and nearly grabbed something there but somehow even though term's only begun I'm already sick of the canteens."
Glori laughs. "Understandable. I probably would have eaten at one of them or the Wyrding Way if I'd not had a meeting here in Diagon Alley."
Caerwyn's order comes up then and instead of taking his take-away he nods in the direction of the tables. "How about I join you? You can catch me up on what's been going on with you."
"That would be great. I'm just over here."
At the table Glori gathers her sketches into a single pile. "Sorry, I sort of spread out."
"No need to apologize. You weren't expecting company. Working on a class assignment?"
"No, though I may end up using a sketch or two for one class. I've been designing jewelry on commission. That meeting I had earlier was with Amber's, the jewelers. I'm doing a few pieces for a summer collection they're wanting to offer."
"I knew you were in design but had no idea you were already doing something with your talents. Do you do private commissions as well or only through a shoppe like Amber's?"
"I do both."
"That's great! Say, I would love to have something special made for a few people, like Grace and my aunt Iola. Would you be interested?"
Glori pulls out a sketchpad and reaches for the pencil she'd been using on the sketches while waiting for her soup and sandwich. "Sure, tell me what you have in mind."
As Caerwyn and she talk, Glori thinks that he is every bit as cute now as he was while at Hogwarts, maybe even more so. No wonder she used to crush on him so badly!
Dates
Author: Ellis
Date: 01-18-19 16:52
After Charms, Alys walked to the Great Hall. She spotted Chip seated with Kaycee Sickleby at the Hufflepuff table. Rather than intrude on their budding relationship, Alys debated sitting with Blakeney and Conrad instead, but then she went to the Ravenclaw table. She sat down next to Brom, who speared an entire sausage and devoured it in several large bites.
Alys was also quite famished, having had two classes already that morning. She helped herself to a piece of sausage but cut it into small pieces before spearing one with her fork.
"Can I join you?"
Alys looked up to see Asher standing opposite her. He never sat anywhere other than the Slytherin table, and usually he sat with Malden or the other members of the band. Brom looked between Alys and Asher and then slid his plate over and moved down a seat.
"Sure," Alys said.
Asher sat down and helped himself to a sausage. He also cut it into pieces, but his were bigger than Alys' slices.
"I wanted to let you know that we're going to do our first official gig in the Commons on Valentine's Day, in the evening after supper. It won't be very long, since we don't know many songs and can only play a few of them decently anyway." He smiled wryly at the admission. "So, I was hoping you would be there."
Alys smiled. "Of course I'll be there." Then, feeling emboldened she added, "Did you ask me to attend so I can give an honest critique and some advice, or for another reason?"
"Both," Asher replied without hesitation. "I want your expertise, and for you to hear how your star pupil has improved since we first started our lessons." He grinned but then grew serious. "And since it's Valentine's Day, I was hoping it could turn into a first date."
Alys' smile widened. "I thought our first date was when we had dinner together in Hogsmeade?"
Asher smiled too. "Okay, second date then. You're in?"
"Yes. I'm in."
—
Meanwhile at the Hufflepuff table, Blakeney scanned the room for a potential new boyfriend for Tessa. Tessa was by no means ready to date anyone else. She'd just broken up with Will after learning about his involvement with the quod incident that could have left her seriously injured.
"I'd set you up with Conrad," Blakeney said, pointing her fork first at Tessa and then at her brother, "but I know for a fact someone has a major crush on him."
Conrad raised his eyebrows and asked, "What? Who? And how do you know that for certain? Did someone confide in you about their feelings for me?"
Blakeney shook her head. "Oh, no. Nothing like that. I just have a good eye for crushes, and I know that someone likes you."
Tessa stabbed at the sausage on her plate and said, "It's too bad you didn't have an eye for what Will and Gerry planned at the last Quidditch match."
Blakeney ignored the comment and asked Conrad, "So, do you want to know who it is?"
"Of course I do," Conrad replied. "It's almost Valentine's Day, and though I've been single for every other one, I think it's time I change that pattern. Who is the lucky lady destined to be my new girlfriend?"
Blakeney looked like the cat who'd gotten the cream. "Belinda McCourt."
Conrad choked on his pumpkin fizz. "She's a hardcore Slytherin! What does she want with the likes of me?"
Blakeney shrugged. "I guess it's the old adage in reverse. Every bad girl likes a good boy."
Conrad looked over at the Slytherin table. Belinda was there, listening to someone else speak at her table.
"She is in a band," Conrad murmured appreciatively.
"She's the songwriter," Tessa said.
"Oooh, maybe she'll write one about you!" Blakeney gushed. "You have to ask her out." Then she looked smug. "I dare you to do it by Valentine's Day."
"I'm not one to turn down a dare," Conrad replied.
He stared at Belinda for a minute and then picked up his drinking glass. He chugged the pumpkin fizz, slammed the glass back down on the table and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Then, he got up and strode purposefully towards the Slytherin table. The Slytherins who noticed him approach looked at him with unwelcome expressions on their faces.
Conrad ignored them all and focused on Belinda. "If you're free this evening, would you like to hang out with me in the Commons?"
Some of the Slytherins snickered, but Conrad didn't care. He was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy and it would take a lot to get him down. He realized in the long pause that followed his question that maybe he should have pulled Belinda aside rather than put her on the spot in front of her friends.
He grinned and said as he started to back away from the table, "You can let me know later." Smiling to let her know there were no hard feelings either way, he turned and went back to where Blakeney was expectantly waiting for him.
Changes
Author: Rowan Westwick
Date: 01-19-19 11:13
The new year marked a lot of changes for Rowan. First, her best friend and brother unexpectedly got married and then left for an island in the Caribbean. Beatrix's departure in the middle of hers and Rowan's last year at St. Emrys University meant the latter needed a new roommate. She found one in Anna Laskaris, a recent graduate of Durmstrang Institute who'd taken the autumn term off to earn some money.
Anna had a little bit of a superior attitude, but as Rowan was the older of the two, the new girl didn't push too hard. The pair actually more than tolerated each other's company, but Rowan knew that theirs would not be a long-lasting friendship. In fact, it would likely end this summer when Rowan graduated from the university.
The other big change in Rowan's life was the fact that she and Connor had really hit it off on their date on Boxing Day. They were both surprised by how well they got on, despite their age difference. They had much more in common than either one of them had ever thought.
They had seen each other regularly since that first date and were scheduled to meet for dinner tonight. Rowan wished that Beatrix were around to help her get gussied up and so that she had someone with whom she could gossip at the end of the night. Exchanging letters just wasn't the same thing, and that was something they didn't do often since Ash and Beatrix were in hiding for their protection.
Rowan frowned and check the time. She was currently in the library, transcribing the notes she'd taken earlier in Investigation Techniques class. It was about time for her to get to Basic First Aid. She gathered her things together, departed the library, and set off for class.
Rover
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 01-19-19 18:24
Some evenings the Eternal-Black family takes supper in the Hogwarts Great Hall, others at home or out. Tonight was a stay in evening so after finishing up for the day at school Sirius trekked into the village, stopping at the Magic Neep to pick up lettuce to go with the tomato, onion, and cucumber at home to make a salad.
Once home he finds Zaria at the kitchen table, a book open before her. He kisses her on the top of her head. "Hi, poppet. Where's Mummy?"
"Upstairs washing Reg. He rolled in mud."
"Rolled in mud?"
Zaria vigorously bobs her head. "Like a dog. Mummy said she wouldn't be surprised if she found it inside his ears and up his nose."
Sirius grins at the image but manages not to out and out laugh. Instead he asks, "How was your day?"
"Good because today was art and a visit to the library." She taps a book open in front of her. "Listen to me read, Daddy."
"Love to. You read while I sort out the salad for supper."
"Extra cucumbers in mine, please."
"Will do." Sirius gives her another kiss on her head as she starts reading to him from her book about a puppy and a kitten best friends who have an adventure exploring the farm on which they live.
The main course for supper is a chicken cordon bleu pasta casserole, a popular selection on the Saucy! casserole menu, Dru made today while at the shoppe. When Drucilla and a sparkling clean Reg enter the kitchen a short time later, Sirius has the salad on the table along with a honey mustard vinaigrette, another popular Saucy! item, toasty buttered garlic bread on a plate, and is placing plates with the casserole onto the table and Zaria is reading aloud from another book, this one about a garden gnome called Gnirdle.
Kissing Dru hello and giving Reg a kiss on his head as he'd done Zaria Sirius grins, "So, tell me what led Rover there to give himself a spa treatment?"
Reg frowns at his father. "I'm Reg, not Rover. You're silly, Daddy," and Zaria asks, "What's a spa treatment?"
Dru smiles at Sirius in return. "I had to use a scouring spell on the tub and I don't think that got it all."
"That bad, huh? And how was the rest of your day?"