|
|
One Full Meal A Day
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 03-14-19 19:57
Sage finds Jared waiting outside the restaurant his friend had suggested. He waits until they are inside and seated to ask, "Are you actually going to eat?"
Looking up from the menu he's just opened Jared reminds, "I told all of you I'd eat at least one full meal a day."
"As one of us isn't with you at all times we don't know if you actually are and for all we know you're stretching that one meal out over the entire day. That said, you don't look like you've lost anymore weight."
Jared shrugs. "I'm trying. I've just lost all interest in food. Hard to eat wondering if ," he doesn't finish a sentiment he's expressed before. How can he eat when he doesn't know if Alanna is getting food on any sort of regular basis, doesn't know if she's being give more than the cliché of bread and water.
At least Jared no longer denies he still loves Alanna.
Sage had had an idea of what he wants for supper before looking at the menu so he doesn't do more than give it a cursory glance before setting it aside. "Did you go out yesterday?"
"Yeah. No progress." The movement of shaking his head at the lack of progress has hair flopping in a way that reveals just how long and shaggy Jared's hair has become.
"Sorry I didn't go out with you."
"It was your birthday and the annual egg hunt at Hogwarts. That's why I didn't even ask you to come with and, besides, you spent most of Saturday helping with the search. Your wife must be starting to hate me for taking up so much of your time."
"Georgia understands. It's why she's joined in when she can between work and doing research for her dissertation."
"Still, she has to get annoyed sometimes that you are ditching your still relatively new wife for what we all know is mostly a fruitless, unproductive use of time."
"Trying to do what we can to help locate where this new group of death eaters, if that's what they really are, has Alanna and any other prisoners is not unproductive. We may not have had any positive results but that doesn't make the effort unproductive or fruitless." Sage doesn't add that it also helps keep Jared from sitting home alone brooding.
Jared nods to acknowledge what Sage has said then changes topics by saying, "Enough about all that. Anything interesting happen at the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office today?"
"Actually yes. You know what golf is, right?"
"Yeah."
"Muggle-born wizard charmed golf balls to help him shave down his score. Some of the golf balls even had snitch-like wings that were hidden until he hit the ball. He was playing for money."
"Is it bad of me to say he had balls to do that?"
Sage chuckles. "It's good to hear you using your sense of humor even if it's a bad pun."
Jared offers an all too rare these days smile before asking, "How was the egg hunt and birthday?"
Over their just arrived food Sage fills Jared in on spending his birthday with family at the Hogwarts Easter egg hunt, leaving out how he wishes he'd been able to convince Jared to join them at least for the dinner and cake after the hunt ended.
Suspicions
Author: Beck
Date: 03-15-19 10:56
"I'm going to deliver these pies down the street, okay?"
Ariella looked over her shoulder at Charlotte Matthews and saw her zip up a square, thermal bag containing several pie boxes. Ariella closed up the oven, pulled off her mitts, and turned to her employee. "Sure."
Charlotte shot her a smile and then slipped the bag over her shoulder, before carrying the awkward load out of the kitchen. Ariella waited until she heard the front door bell jingle, signaling that Charlotte had entered the first floor landing before turning to her brother, who sat on a stool and licked whipped cream off his fingers.
"So, will you do it?" Ariella asked him.
Anthony wiped his fingers on a napkin, then held one up and got up from the stool to walk to the door. Ariella observed him scan the front of the shoppe before he turned back to her and said, "Yeah, of course, but do you have any proof?"
Ariella shook her head. "Well, no, but it's just a feeling. Isn't that enough?"
"Not in the eyes of the law, but I can dig into her history and see if there are any red flags already recorded."
Ariella went to the stove to stir a pan full of simmering berries and said, "I just can't help but wonder if she's spying for them."
"You said she sometimes seems keenly interest in what you're doing and who you're talking to, and you've said you've caught her staring sometimes, but that doesn't mean she's in league with them. She might just be weird… or maybe she's got a big crush on you or something," Anthony added.
"I know, but it's hard not to wonder. She was Maggie's friend, not mine." She put down her stirring spoon and sighed. "I know it's not right to make those kinds of assumptions, but I have plenty of reason to worry, don't you think?"
"Yes, which is why I'll look into her for you."
"Thanks," Ariella said. She handed him a fresh spoon so that he would stop eating whipped cream with his fingers. "What's new on the Alanna front?"
Anthony shrugged. "Frustratingly little."
Both had more or less resigned themselves to the fact that their little sister was gone and not likely ever coming back, at least not alive. After all, she'd been gone for more than half a year now.
They shifted gears to more pleasant topics, their children and what the family had planned for Easter. Before either knew it, enough time passed that Anthony needed to get back to office. He'd taken a couple of hours off to meet with Ariella at her request.
He gave Ariella a hug and walked with her to the front door, which was when Ariella realized that Charlotte had not yet returned from her delivery just down the street. Puzzled, Ariella continued down the stairs through the main entrance of the building, which was shared with Obscuras Books. Anthony followed her into the crisp, just-about springtime air and stopped next to her when she spotted Charlotte standing in the shade a few doorways down with none other than Lawrence's house-elf Eloise.
After Giving Testimony
Author: Bill Weasley
Date: 03-16-19 12:46
Stepping out of the courtroom, Bill stuffed his hands into the pockets of his slacks and walked over to the bank of lifts. He had just testified in the trial of Qadir Adallah and was glad to have it all behind him. Adallah had not denied anything when first interrogated by authorities and now questioned by the members of the Wizengamot. His reason for abducting Bill had one motivation only: revenge.
Adallah had been quite young when his father's crimes, which included kidnapping, murder, and theft, were exposed by Bill when he was working in Cairo. The elder Adallah had tried to get his own revenge about five years later and very nearly succeeded in killing Bill. Lysander ended up getting involved while trying to track down a book containing a remedy to save him. The act added Lysander to Adallah's blacklist and eventually got him kidnapped, which turned out to be the very last of Adallah's bad deeds. He accidentally killed himself when Lysander's broken wand backfired.
The younger Adallah admitted that he planned on setting his sights on Lysander after he had properly dealt with Bill and was disappointed that he'd not only never gotten that far but that he had also failed at his original task. He was ashamed that he had not avenged his father, but at long as he lived and breathed, he would never give up. The sentiment was enough to get him locked away in Azkaban for life, unless his own government wished to have him extradited.
The lift, which seemed incredibly delayed, finally opened and revealed someone Bill hadn't seen in a good quarter century. It was a girl he'd crushed on during his fifth year at Hogwarts, though she'd quite deliberately not given him the time of day.
"Emily Tyler?" Bill asked, just to be sure. The girl he remembered looked quite a bit older and had the appearance of obvious cosmetic surgery. Her face was smooth but pulled tightly upwards in an unnatural way, making her eyes seem more like slits rather than more round in shape.
She looked down her nose at him as she had all those years before and said, "Yes. Soon to be again, at any rate." Then she squinted at Bill and said, "You haven't aged a bit…" She let the sentence hang as if she were waiting for him to supply the name she obviously couldn't remember.
"Bill Weasley. We were at Hogwarts together. Both in Gryffindor… same year…"
Emily waved her hand dismissively. "Yes, yes. I remember." She squinted again. "Really, it's quite uncanny how young you look. What's your secret?"
"I had a little work done," Bill said, rather without thinking. His new look had certainly turned out much better than the look she was trying to achieve. He quickly added, "I was badly injured. Werewolf attack."
She made a face to indicate she found it appalling that he'd found himself in the presence of a werewolf on a full moon, and not because of the danger but because he obviously must have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"I'm going to be late for my divorce hearing, but where did you go to get the procedure done?" she asked, as she smoothed down her pink, very chic robes.
"St. Claire's in New York City," Bill replied. "Good luck."
He pushed past her to enter the lift and smiled at the astonished expression on her face as the doors closed on her. After all, she was usually the one doing the walking out on someone.
(Azaelia) Wondering
Author: Isolde
Date: 03-17-19 09:06
After eating breakfast in the Great Hall, Azaelia went to the library to start her work day. She emptied the book drop, fed the fish and cleaned the aquariums, and went around to pick up books left around before the library closed last night. It being the last week of Winter Term, the library had longer hours to accommodate students needing materials and extra study time.
Azaelia returned to the front desk with her pick up and proceeded to check each book for damage. A few students entered while she worked, some to return books, others to check out more. Most had morning classes to go to and didn't linger in the library to study, but Azaelia knew that students would come by throughout the course of the day and especially in the evening for just that.
As Azaelia conducted her work, she thought about her mother and her mother's friend Ally. Ever since that chance meeting in Hogsmeade, Azaelia had given a lot of thought to the other woman. Maybe she was being paranoid, but there was something about Ally that didn't seem right. Azaelia couldn't place her finger on it, though. Her odd questioning about Professor McGonagall was just part of it.
Azaelia thought about what she knew about Ally, and she realized that she didn't know anything other than her first name and her supposed occupation. Ally worked with offenders who were trying to rejoin the workforce. Was there a company involved or did she work as an individual? Surely, she would have business contacts in different fields.
Putting the last book in order on a cart, Azaelia turned her attention to sending out overdue notices next, but her mind dwelled on Ally. She wanted to know more about her mother's friend to either put her suspicions to rest or determine just what was so off about her. Azaelia, being a librarian, was in the business of finding out information. She just needed to get Ally's last name, and she knew just how to do that.
She took a moment to write to her mother, suggesting they meet in Hogsmeade for lunch.
Breakfast & Questions
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 03-17-19 10:06
Tiberius was having breakfast at the Great Hall. Despite being Wednesday most of the students were in a good mood due to the upcoming Easter Holidays. He was seated between Kissy and Filius. The lower years Charms teacher was asking her if she had already chosen a name for her upcoming child. Kissy replied but Tiberius was not able to hear the answer because the mail arrived, and a large number of owls invaded the Great Hall. Kissy received a letter but Tiberius and Filius did not.
Tiberius decided this was the best moment to act. In a very innocent way he asked Filius about the Hogwarts admission letters. As the school's deputy headmaster, he had to sign them before they were shipped.
"Yes, of course," Filius confirmed with pride. "I have the privilege to be one of the first to welcome the students to the school."
"And is there a list of names of the future enrollments at the castle?" Tiberius asked.
On the Annual Easter Egg Hunt day, Tiberius took advantage of a break to enter into Minerva's office. He imagined the list of future students must be stored somewhere inside. He was not proud of going around Minerva's things but the urge to find an identity that would allow him to discover who had used his name to buy the school supplies was enormous. Some of the portraits on the walls started to insult him, while others watched with curiosity. Headmaster Dippet suggested he should look on a certain cabinet, but all Tiberius found there were some old books and an easter egg. It was white and it had many dots of different colors. He then realized that he was not going to find anything useful in the room: Minerva's office had been clearly prepared for the egg hunt, and all sort of valuable things were probably stored somewhere else or locked with some sort of protective charm. The reason why the portraits did not give the alarm was because they thought Tiberius was here for the eggs.
"You should open that egg, Tiberius," Professor Dumbledore said, from his portrait. "You will find the answer for all your troubles inside."
Tiberius did so in a rush. As soon as he opened the egg, millions of colorful confetti poured out of it. Minerva's office got filled with the little papers. Dumbledore laughed and he told Tiberius he had been expecting for someone to open that egg since the house elf had hidden it. Tiberius quickly cleaned the mess with his wand. Then the old headmaster apologized for his prank.
"You have clearly came here on a quest...what are you searching?"
"It does not matter," Tiberius replied to the portrait. He was sure if he told Dumbledore, he would tell Minerva. There wasn't anything wrong in wanting to know the name of his future students, but he just did not want to drag anyone into his affairs.
He left the office frustrated due to his failed attempt.
"Of course, there is a list in the castle." Filius assured him. But he did not reveal exactly where. Nevertheless he added that the Ministry of Magic also had a list, in case they needed to intervene. Then he started explaining Tiberius that he used to sign the letters in a bright blue ink, but lately he was considering changing to something darker, perhaps purple.
Tiberius stopped listening, knowing he was not going to get anything else from Filius. He finished his coffee, thinking. It would be almost impossible to locate and find the list at Hogwarts. However, in the Ministry of Magic it should be easier. The problem was he could not simply enter the Ministry of Magic without any specific purpose. But there was someone that he knew who could. Tiberius started to devise a plan on his mind, ready to have access to that list.
No Fix Up
Author: Jet
Date: 03-17-19 19:40
Spotting Jet, Matthew Fyde approaches and sets his tray down. "Remind me again why I work here?"
Jet snorts, glad he had already swallowed the lemonade he'd been drinking. "I don't know about you but I'm here for the incredible bonuses and the yearly paid luxury vacation of my choice."
"Petra and I are thinking our work paid luxury vacation this year will be to Ipswich." Matt quickly looks around to see if anyone heard adding, "I hope I didn't offend anyone from Ipswich."
Jet laughs. "I think anyone from Ispwich would find humor in what you said." He turns more serious. "What's going on that has you needing reminders of why we work in this joyous place?"
"There's an elderly wizard who has splinched himself seventeen times in two weeks. He's showing some signs of dementia so is unable to properly focus when attempting to apparate. Some of us have requested his wand be broken but we've been told that for now it's the family's decision and they do not wish to take action just yet."
Jet's brow wrinkles with consternation. "If he's endangering himself and potentially others and the family won't act, why is whomever it is in your department stalling on handling the situation?"
"The wizard's granddaughter."
"Conflict of interest but no one else is stepping in?"
"Not so far. Those of us who've made the request are going to go over her head if she's not changed her mind by morning so now she's threatening our little group with termination."
"That wouldn't hold up."
"We hope but sometimes things get so screwy around here. So, what's this Petra tells me about you pulling the bloodhound device?"
"It's only ever worked part of the time. Nothing I've ever done with it has been able to increase the success rate nor has anyone else who's tried. I felt it was time to nix it."
"This have anything to do with Alanna Beck?"
"A little."
"Ever consider that maybe it hasn't worked to locate her because wherever she is, alive or dead, is an unplottable location?"
"Yeah, but as I said, not being able to help find her is only a small part of my decision."
"I've never been clear on why finding her has meant so much to you. I know that sounds cold and I don't mean it that way. Sorry."
Jet shakes his head. "No, I think I understand what you're meaning. When originally at Hogwarts I was a year ahead of one of her brothers, Toby. We were friendly. I thought it would be nice to be able to help and, you know me, I can get a bit obsessive sometimes."
"Just a wee tad," Matt chuckles. "Oh, has Petra invited you to dinner Saturday?"
"Yeah, and I said yes, but don't think you're setting me up with your cousin."
"Nova is visiting over the weekend but Petra and I aren't trying to set you two up."
"Right, I've heard that before." Jet says this goodnaturedly.
"Bring a date if you're wanting to ensure my lovely wife can't attempt a fix up."
"That's easier said than done at the moment."
"Betty in the education department would not turn you down if you asked."
"Betty? She's the tall brunette?"
"Petite redhead."
"Can't place her."
"Not my fault when you don't pay attention to who flirts with you and who doesn't."
"This Betty has flirted with me?"
Laughing, Matt shakes his head then takes the last bite of his sandwich.
Early Release
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 03-19-19 21:28
Tiberius holds the door for his wife then follows her into Twice Told Tales. Hearing the bell on the door Julian stands up from where he was kneeling behind the counter scratching the back of a small cat. Dexter had been out in front of the shoppe for a little while, lounging in the sun and when he'd come back inside the tiny feline had followed him in. He's a friendly little thing. Dexter seems fine with him so if Julian can't determine where the cat belongs he'll take the rusty colored kitty home this evening.
Coming around the counter, Julian bids his parents hello then gives his mother a peck on the cheek. "With Grace home on Saturday I hadn't thought to see you until then."
"St. Mungo's is releasing Vanessa earlier than planned so we went to the Ministry to finalize arrangements for her. After spending the morning in one tedious meeting after another I am in need of a good book to escape into the rest of the day." Lisette waves a hand towards the nearest aisle of bookshelves.
"I wouldn't mind a good thriller myself." Tiberius looks fine but sounds tired.
While they browse Lisette fills Julian in on the latest development with Vanessa. "The Ministry has decided there's no reason for Vanessa to finish serving her sentence. Rather than go to Azkaban's version of a clinic when she's released from St. Mungo's, Vanessa will go to the cottage."
The cottage is on the grounds of the Valentine estate. Vanessa's overdose left her oxygen deprived long enough that much of the brain damage is irreparable. Her motor skills are greatly diminished as are her verbal skills. Her years of substance abuse have also left her with other health issues. Vanessa will need care the rest of her life.
She will need care the rest of her life that is unless she's somehow managed to fool everyone. Knowing his sister, Julian wouldn't put it past her.
Tiberius looks up from the dust jacket he'd been studying. "There's a house elf already installed at the cottage. We'll interview nurses next week if you'd like to sit in. We also need to decide how many to hire." Glancing down at the cat rubbing against his leg he says, "You're not Dexter."
"He's Dexter's friend. Not sure where he belongs but if no one claims him he has a home with us. Right, Dex?" Julian gives Dexter's rump a rub. "I'd be happy to help interview nurses. Let me know what day or days you need me."
"We should know by Saturday when we see you." Lisette holds up a book. "I don't know this author. Nanette Flambeaux. How awful. Is she at least a decent writer?"
"She's very popular. And a he. Nanette Flambeaux is the pen name of Rocko Gianelli. He didn't think he'd sell well as Rocko writing historical fiction with a heavy dose of romance."
Lisette laughs. "I absolutely must try this one then."
Tiberius by that time has also made a selection. Julian waves off his father's effort to pay for the two books. "They're on me. Mum, what time did you want us on Saturday?"
"Noon-ish? Grace should be in by then? And Caerwyn's coming I hope? With his friend."
"Glori. Yes, she'll be there. Oh, Dad, Xavier's hoping you'll let him fish in the pond."
"I'll check the poles and get some bait. Should be good weather for it."
"Why don't we have lunch by the pond?" Lisette asks. "First picnic of the year."
"That sounds great, Mum. Can't wait."
Another peck on the check for Lisette and the Valentines make their exit, leaving Julian alone for all of three minutes when one of the Twice Told Tales regulars arrives to see what's been added to the shelves since he was in two days ago.
Always Eating (Jack & Deak)
Author: Kody
Date: 03-21-19 20:53
Pulling out a chair to sit Jack remarks, "Seems whenever we're together these days we're always eating."
Deak grins. "With the three of us no longer roommates and each of us working plus continued coursework, about the only time we get together lately is for a meal."
Wiggy makes a show of patting his belly. "Have to work out extra to keep the weight down."
"Probably due more to your love of sweets then it is our periodic meals together," Jack chuckles.
Wiggy concedes, "There is that."
They take a moment to look over the selection of Italian food offerings listed on the menu and once they've ordered Jack asks Deak, "Have Etta and you set a date yet?"
"We had considered sometime in December but have been hesitant."
"Because of Alanna's status and Jared?"
Deak nods at Wiggy. "Yeah. Feels wrong to move ahead with wedding plans just yet. Speaking of weddings," he grins at Wiggy, "I hear your girl Bradana is divorcing."
Wiggy rolls his eyes. "Let's hope this doesn't send her off on another bout of stalking."
"Maybe if it does, she'll finally be committed for long-term psychiatric care." Jack's expression becomes thoughtful. After a moment he says, "I could see if I can access her Ministry file and find out if there's anything there that would help speed that up if she does start obsessing over Quidditch players again. Or anyone of any profession for that matter."
"You don't need some sort of reason to poke around in whatever information the Ministry has on her?" Deak asks.
"Depends on the nature of the file. I'll see what I can find out. If I end up having to sneak a look that might not be too difficult. I've been looking at a lot of files lately on active cases so could be I can easily access hers when pulling a file or returning one."
Wiggy lifts one shoulder as if in a shrug. "Just don't get into any trouble. You're still considered in training so they could make you redundant without needing much cause."
Deak nods in agreement. "Yeah, don't take any risks that could get you sacked."
"I'll be careful." His eyebrows go up at the looks Deak and Wiggy give him. "Really. I'll be careful." Eager now to change to subject he asks Wiggy, "When do you leave for tournament in Peru?"
Talking to Minerva
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 03-22-19 17:56
Ethan exited his office and made his way over to the Headmistress' Tower to submit his grades for Winter Term. He wasn't sure if she would be in, since it was nearing suppertime. It was also the very last evening meal before the Easter holidays officially started. Dinner wasn't going to be a feast by any means, but Ethan suspected that Minerva might say a few words to commemorate the closing of another term and to wish everyone a Happy Easter.
To his surprise, she was in, and she welcomed him to have a seat and a quick chat. "I've been meaning to ask how you are," she said, as she steepled her fingers together and looked at him over the rims of her rectangular glasses.
Ethan knew she wasn't asking him a general question about his health. "Well enough," he answered. "A bit concerned about the state of the British wizarding world, and certainly wondering whether a trigger will go off in my brain and turn me into a spy against you."
"A worrisome sentiment to be sure, but I'm not sure You-Know-Who, if he's really back, gives a flying fig about me. I'm not Albus Dumbledore," Minerva said.
"Dumbledore you might not be, but you're formidable and respected in your own right," Ethan replied, quite honestly. He missed Dumbledore, who had taken a great risk in hiring him again, but Minerva was an excellent Headmistress and someone Ethan knew he could trust.
"To be honest, if he's really back, I doubt he'd try to rope me in again after what happened last time, but I'm not sure he'd ignore me either," Ethan added, "and that's what concerns me. If I didn't have Lilly, it wouldn't matter as much, but I do. There's also the rest of my family, Briar, Grace… all these attachments I didn't have when I first went dark."
Minerva nodded. "Do let me know if you feel there's something you need to tell me. Perhaps I can help before it's too late."
Ethan nodded, too. "Let's hope it doesn't come down to that, though."
Minerva changed the subject. "What are your holiday plans?"
"Lilly's eighth birthday is on Sunday. I'm throwing a party for her at the house. You're welcome to join us, if you're free. Briar's making the cake, of course."
"You had me before the cake was even mentioned, but now I'm suddenly famished. Shall we to dinner, or do you need to fetch your daughter first?"
Ethan shook his head and explained, "Lilly often goes to Briar's after school, and today is one of those days. I'll pick her up after we eat."
The two left the office and headed to the Great Hall, with Minerva wondering aloud how quickly time had passed for Lilly to already be nearly eight years old.