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(Chloe) The Study Group
Author: Mildred
Date: 11-10-19 03:57
"Stop staring at them! You look like a stalker!" Ruth told Chloe.
"I can't help myself. They look so happy!"
Chloe was looking at Coach Krum and his wife Theodosia, having breakfast together at the High Table.
"They do look happy. But Ruth is right: you're getting a little bit obsessed with them. Next thing you know it, Mrs. Krum will think you are trying to steal her husband," Alectrona said.
"Oh God no!" Chloe replied feeling embarrassed. She never looked at Coach Krum that way. She deviated her eyes from the newlyweds.
Their wedding after the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin had been the high point of the school year so far for Chloe. She had never witnessed a marriage in the wizarding world before and she had loved the experience. She had seen many couples getting married by her father at his church but nothing of the dimension of Coach Krum's wedding. The whole school was there, and there was enough cake to feed the crowd. It had been a celebration of such a dimension, something she never imagined it would be possible.
"Or maybe she will think you want them to adopt you!" Ruth teased, laughing.
Chloe added some strawberry jam to her scone and she decided to change topic.
"Did Douglas Hyland ask any of you to join his study group?" She asked.
"Yes," Alectrona said. "He asked me yesterday. It does sound like a good idea. Study with just you two sometimes can be a distraction. Maybe with more people we will be able to focus and take it more serious."
"I agree," Chloe said. Although she was a little bit preoccupied with the idea of studying with boys. She spent most of her time with Alectrona and Ruth. The only boys she got along with were the male members of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. Even so she never really spoke to them beyond the pitch. Argyll was the exception. A study group with Alectrona's brother sounded like the best idea in the world. But she didn't say out loud.
"You traitors!" Ruth joked. "Then when are we going to gossip about other people, if not during study time?"
"I think we can manage," Alectrona replied.
Chloe nodded in agreement and soon Ruth also gave in to Douglas' study group invitation.
The Corn Has Ears
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 11-11-19 11:41
After dismissing the sixth year Alchemy students, who spent the 1.5 hour class learning about the alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan and his many works, Fritz prepares to welcome the seventh year students. They will learn about luminous substances.
A few trickle in as soon as the sixth years leave, but most tend to arrive right around the time class starts. One of the early birds is Eunice Smirt.
Since the start of term, Fritz has spoken to both of the visitors here and there. Eugene Smirt observed one of his classes early in the fall, but Eunice hadn't yet. With Fall Term just about at its end, Fritz is only surprised it took her this long to monitor him in action.
With a good seven minutes or so until his next class starts, Eunice approaches Fritz where he is standing at the front of the classroom and states, "Fritz Alexander Jürgen Schnackenpfefferhausen, German-born, Hogwarts-taught."
Fritz blinks and replies, "That's right." Very few ever get his name right on the first try, and though Eunice has said it to him a few times before, she's always pronounced it 100% correctly.
"Muggle-born," she adds, making it sound like a dirty word.
Fritz hasn't heard anyone say it to him quite like that since his time at Happy Haven School for Nons. "What has that got to do with anything?"
Eunice ignores the question and asks, "Why would a staunch supporter of the old ways––a pureblood through and through––bequeath a great deal of money to someone perceived as meaningless?"
Fritz opens and closes his mouth a few times, wondering how Eunice found out about his connection to Berthold Beatenberg. True, he had recently confided in a student about it but not in specific terms. Nothing ever stays secret at Hogwarts, though. As they say, the corn has ears.
Before Fritz can answer and before Eunice can ask more questions, the remaining seventh years enter the classroom and take their usual seats. Eunice turns and finds an empty place near the back of the room.
Fritz, trying not to wonder how Eunice chased the trail all the way to Berthold's final act, launches into his lesson about luminous substances.
Metamorphmagus?
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 11-13-19 14:56
Caerwyn opens the front door calling out, "Knock knock!"
"You're here!" Xavier comes running with Jasmine following closely behind.
The twins throw themselves at Caerwyn, toppling him over in a laughing heap, Jasmine looking up to grin, "Hi, Glori!"
"Hello, may I have some of your energy?"
Jasmine peels away from the boys to stand and give Glori a hug. "Is there a spell for that?" she asks in all seriousness.
"There could well be," Glori tells her as she reaches out a hand to help Caerwyn off the floor.
Caerwyn bends to heft Xavier up. "If there is such a spell, these two don't need to know about it or they'd use it on others and would never want to go to bed."
Jazzy and X exchange a look that seems to convey some secret communication between them. They grin, Jazzy shrugging. "Yeah, probably."
From the kitchen doorway Julian chuckles, "Merlin forbid these two being even more night owlish." He steps further into the sitting room. "Hello, Glori. I'm glad you could come to supper."
An actual knock on the door has Jazzy loudly proclaiming, "I've got it," as she takes a large hop towards the door, just as loudly proclaiming, "Hi, Aunt Iola!"
Iola walks in with Anwen, greeting Jazzy and the rest of them at a far more normal volume than the one used by Jasmine. After all the greetings have been exchanged Julian puts the twins to work. "Xavier and Jasmine, set the table." As he speaks serving dishes from the kitchen take spots on the dining table. The twins put plates and utensils out as Julian takes drink orders. Iola settles a sleepy Anwen onto a blanket spread near the dining table then takes the seat Caerwyn holds for her.
After everyone is seated and served Iola gets right to the point of why she more or less invited herself to dinner and asked that Caerwyn be there as well. "I don't think that H shaped birthmark you have, Caerwyn, is an actual birthmark. I've been doing some research, looking through some old charms and transfiguration books that have been in the family for ages. I think you were late to display that you'd inherited Afton's metamorphmagus abilities. When you did, my dear sister for reasons that we might never know, used a spelled mark to prevent you from using those abilities."
Surprised and definitely more than a little confused, Caerwyn points out, "But I was able to develop animagus ability."
"Similar but different and the mark would be specific to metamorphmagus. Afton couldn't know you'd work hard and practice to become an animagus."
Julian, fork frozen between plate and mouth, asks Iola, "Do you think the mark can be removed?"
"Yes, I think so or I doubt I've have ever mentioned what I've found."
The next several minutes are spent discussing the likely removal method and alternatives if that one doesn't work, the entire time Caerwyn wondering if he's napping and having a somewhat surreal dream.
(Arielle) Kind of Better
Author: Jolyon
Date: 11-15-19 17:50
Arielle lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling. Her brother's cat, Sable, was curled up next to her. Pete, the crup Arielle raised during the Scholastic Aptitude Tournament, lay on a fluffy rug next to the bed and occasionally glanced forlornly at his mistress. The cat had only begun keeping her company in recent months.
Both creatures raised their heads when someone stirred outside Arielle's bedroom door. It was her father, carrying Berenice on his shoulders. The nearly two year old had each fist in Jolyon's short hair and a giant smile on her face. If her hair pulling hurt, he didn't show it.
"Won't you come down to dinner?" Jolyon asked.
Arielle sighed. "It's weird sitting at the High Table."
"Then go sit at Gryffindor. Nobody will stop you."
"But I'm not a student."
Jolyon entered the room fully and carefully lifted Berenice off his shoulders, depositing her on the bed next to Arielle. Sable decided to depart and leapt majestically off the bed before trotting out of the room. Pete watched her go and wagged his forked tail.
Berenice, meanwhile, climbed onto Arielle and laughed because her older sister made a funny horse.
"You're never going to feel like yourself again if you hole yourself away and never engage with anyone," Jolyon said, seating himself on the edge of the bed. "I know it's hard to fit in when you're no longer a student and you're not staff, but Hogwarts is your home right now."
"Are you saying I should start at St. Emrys when the new term starts so that I can be around more people my own age?" Arielle asked, groaning when Berenice stepped on her kidney.
"You go if and when you're ready," Jolyon said. "I'm not rushing you to do anything, but I just want to see you happy again. Come down to dinner with us."
Arielle sat up and wrapped her arms around Berenice, squeezing her tight. The toddler squealed happily and squirmed in an attempt to break free.
The truth was, Arielle was feeling much better. She had a regular appointment with one of the counselors who visited Hogwarts, and she did occasionally venture out, like to run errands or visit her brother. She rarely went anywhere alone, because she was still a little bit scared that someone might snatch her and bring her to the Death Eaters. After all, Malden, who'd tried to kill her, was still out there somewhere.
She finally nodded and said, "Yes. I'll go. Let me just freshen up." She released Berenice and handed her to their father. Then, she climbed off the bed and went to the adjoining bathroom. A few minutes later, she met her family at the door to their chambers to go to dinner together.
Gobsmacked
Author: Zabrynna
Date: 11-15-19 20:31
Zabrynna puts her menu aside. "I think I'm going to get the feijoada though as I'm sure I'm saying it wrong who knows what I'll end up with," she laughs.
Declan grins at her. "I'm getting the picanha because I think it's something I can pronounce the best."
Zabrynna took a class at St. Emrys for Michaelmas Term, which ends this week. She wrote the final exam earlier, exiting the classroom to the pleasant surprise of Declan waiting for her. He'd suggested grabbing dinner at a Brazilian restaurant her father had recently told them about. Much as they love the camaraderie of eating at Hogwarts, it is nice to have supper at home some nights and every now and again to eat out.
As the starter, Mandioca Frita, arrives a woman's voice asks from behind the waiter, "Zabrynna? Declan?"
Hearing her and then seeing her when the waiter moves they both rise, Zabrynna moving towards her step-sister, one hand outstretched. "Mercy! At lunch today I told Declan we should have you over soon."
Mercy laughs lightly. "That's so funny because at lunch today I told Cyrus we needed to get together with you too in the next week or so. Is sooner good for you? Saturday at our place?"
Zabrynna looks to Declan who nods. "That's Hogsmeade Saturday for some Hogwarts students but I've got an early patrol shift."
"Mine is late morning to early afternoon so that works for me as well. What can we bring?" Zabrynna asks.
"How about something for pudding? How's 7?"
"Great! Is Cyrus with you?" Zabrynna gestures to their table. "Would you like to join us?"
"I'm actually here picking up take-away. We'd have had it sent but I couldn't make up my mind what I wanted so I came to look over the menu. Everything is so good here it took me ages. I'm betting Cyrus is starting to think he needs to send out a search party. I'm sure it's ready now so I should get going. See you Saturday!"
Mercy starts to walk away only to snap her fingers and turn back around. "I just realized you probably haven't heard. Margretta's run off with Dad's assistant, who is younger than you and I are." At Zabrynna's and Declan's expressions she practically guffaws. "I'll dish the dirt when you come Saturday. Ta for now."
Gobsmacked, Zabrynna and Declan return to their chairs. In silence they start eating the mandioca frita, both enjoying the fried cassava. Taking the last bit Zabrynna smiles ruefully. "What do you want to bet that Margretta will continue to claim I'm an embarrassment and that she has no daughter?"
Declan returns her smile. "Yeah, as it is Margretta, I'm not going to take that bet."
Zabrynna suddenly grins. "I've always said you are a smart man."
Rather than dwell on Margretta when they will hear more of the story on Saturday, they spend the rest of dinner debating what dessert to take to Mercy's, the renovation of part of the house they've decided to undertake, and Christmas gift ideas for the nieces and nephews, and for Rand.
Ulterior Motive (Douglas)
Author: Saffron
Date: 11-16-19 19:46
Walking from Charms to the Great Hall for lunch Franklin Ellis asks Douglas, "Still having a study session after Defense Against The Dark Arts?"
"Yeah, with Christmas hols soon, we've so many assignments and exams coming up fast that my writing hand hurts just thinking about it all."
On his other side Lubert Lovejoy makes a snorty snickering sound. "You just want as many excuses as you can get to team up with some of the girls."
Doug's heart flutters in panic at thinking his ulterior motive for the study group, which is spending time with Alectrona, has been found out. Outwardly he nonchalantly shrugs and says with all innocence, "I just want to do well in all my courses. You're the one wanting to cozy up with Chloe and Emmie."
"And Cecelia and Miranda," Franklin adds, his expression so serious in his effort not to laugh that Doug and Lubert can't help but crack up, Lubert grinning massively. "I can't help that I'm a ladies man."
Puzzled, Doug says, "I thought that meant ladies love the man, that he's a real charmer." After a beat he slap one hand against his thigh. "Oh, right. You have to use love charms to get them to like you."
Lubert crosses his eyes at Doug, making a funny face. "Ha ha. You're hysterical."
A mouth watering aroma wafts from the Great Hall reaching them as they near. The three friends walk faster, all thoughts of teasing put aside for the moment as their stomachs remind them they're growing boys and it's been ages since breakfast. It's only after they're seated and putting food on their plates that Lubert groans, "I forgot to finish the DADA reading assignment." Grabbing his textbook he spends the next little bit reading while eating, leaving Franklin and Doug to talk about Saturday's flying and Quidditch workshop and the upcoming Secret Santa gift exchange, all the while Doug wondering if anyone else thinks he wanted to have a study group that meets regularly for the ulterior motive of getting close to Alectrona.
Life Goes On
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 11-17-19 11:55
While Ethan lectured on the vampire bat's connection to the dark arts, he ignored the wizard observing from the back of the classroom. Eugene Smirt had come to his classes several times throughout Fall Term, as had his sister, Eunice. Ethan knew why they watched him more closely than some of the other professors. After all, he had actually served Voldemort once upon a time.
No doubt the rumor circulated by Rita Skeeter didn't help matters. The latest stories claimed Voldemort had given up on recruiting Hogwarts students, what with his plan being exposed and all, and instead was encouraging his followers to reproduce and raise like-minded wizards. When asked about this by Skeeter herself, despite it being her own made-up story, Ethan gave her a piece of his mind using quite colorful language. Thankfully, Lilly hadn't been with him at the time.
Naturally, the next story she wrote about him mentioned his lack of propriety in public and especially towards women, which of course meant he must be a dark wizard and made him perfectly unsuitable to teach children.
"I think we're out of time," Ethan said, glancing at his watch. "Next time we'll have a review and last class will be your end of term exam. My office is open if you have questions before then. See you next week."
The second year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaws were quick to scurry out of the classroom. Ethan noticed that Eugene hadn't moved, but he turned his back on him and began erasing what was on the blackboard.
When the room was completely empty, Eugene cleared his throat and said, "Was it Professor McGonagall who hired you?"
Ethan had the feeling that the Smirts were mostly out to get Minerva, and he didn't want to throw her under the Knight Bus. He continued tidying up his classroom and carefully replied, "It was Professor McGonagall who interviewed me the first time, but I was hired at Albus Dumbledore's discretion, and it was he who welcomed me back after my sabbatical."
"That's an interesting way of putting it."
Ethan didn't take the bait. "Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Smirt?" he instead asked. "I've some work to do and a dinner party to prep for, so if there's nothing else…"
Eugene scribbled something onto his clipboard and said nothing more. He got up and walked out of the classroom, leaving Ethan alone and in a bad mood.
The dinner party was actually tomorrow evening and would be a celebration of Briar's birthday. The event would take place in his quarters so that Grace could attend. Ethan's "prep work" included learning how to bake a cake, something he knew he wouldn't be able to do nearly as well as Briar could, but it certainly wouldn't do to have her make her own birthday cake.
Besides a nice dinner, birthday cake, and family time, Ethan also had a ring to give her. His inspiration was two-fold. First, his erstwhile enemy turned friend Maverick had recently married Rosamond's sister Aveline. Then, Ethan's best friend Viktor had surprised everyone when he'd gotten married at the Quidditch Pitch after the match between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Ethan couldn't be happier for his friends.
He knew that Rita Skeeter would pounce once she saw the ring on Briar's finger, assuming Briar would accept his proposal of course, but if there was one thing Ethan knew about life, it was meant to be lived.
He finished tidying up and then headed to his office to get a little work done and to see any students who needed additionally help with DADA.
(Paton) Last Day of Michaelmas Term
Author: Griet
Date: 11-18-19 18:24
Paton entered The Wyrding Way and waved to Archie, who was already seated in one of the comfy armchairs in the coffee shoppe. Paton queued up in the short line, gave his order, paid, and then wandered over to the armchair next to his roommate.
"Free at last?" Archie asked.
"Yes," Paton replied. He'd written his last exam and was now officially finished with Michaelmas Term.
"Cheers," Archie answered, holding up his coffee cup. "So what did you want to ask me?"
"Are you free to go on a double date with me, Britney, and her sister? Ashley is in town, and Britney wants to go to the Christmas party that's next weekend."
"Mate, I would, but I'm heading back to Kinshasa on Monday. Can you round somebody else up for her?"
Paton nodded and got up when he heard his name called by the barista. "I'll ask my cousin."
He went up to the counter and got his sandwich and coffee and wondered what Franciscus would think about getting set up on a blind date.
Paton and Britney had known each other for a year but had only recently started dating. Sure, they had gone out a few times, but they'd only ever hung out at friends.
One day while studying in the library, they started playing footsies with one another. When they were ready to leave, Paton asked Britney if she might like to go out to dinner with him that evening. She did, and the rest was history.
Paton had never met Ashley. There were also two younger siblings, but they were still in school. If Ashley was anything like Britney, then she was pretty, feisty, and someone who would definitely keep Franciscus on his toes. Now Paton just had to tell him about the party and double date!
Lunchtime Already?
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 11-18-19 20:40
Arthur pokes his head into Sage's cubicle. "Ready for lunch?" When Sage doesn't answer or even acknowledge Arthur the older wizard loudly clears his throat while approaching Sage's desk. He even more loudly says, "Sage, time to take a break from writing reports."
Unaware of his boss standing at his cubicle, Sage had jumped when he heard a throat clearing. Clearly surprised he weakly smiles at Arthur. "Take a break? Did we get a call out?"
"If you mean am I calling you out for lunch, then yes, there is a call out." Arthur chuckles at his somewhat lame attempt at humor.
Forehead knitted, causing a deep V to form between his eyebrows. "Isn't it a bit early for lunch."
"It's gone past noon."
"Seriously? It was only a little after nine a minute ago." Sage sighs. "How did I lose the whole morning?"
Arthur moves closer to the desk, sitting in the sole visitor's chair. "Having trouble writing up an incident?"
"I did struggle a little with the one for yesterday afternoon but I was able to finish up the report just after arriving to work this morning. I've also testified before the Wizengamot. I wasn't there for nearly as long as anticipated. I meant to work on my presentation for the upcoming conference but got distracted with some entries from my stepmother's journal."
Knowing that Sage and his family had been searching for a reason behind the Lohengrin and Birdie murder-suicide Arthur asks, "You finally found something?"
"Yes, some hidden entries. They're disturbing. The entries are sometimes rambling, sometimes extremely clear and succinct and seems to indicate Birdie was having mental breaks. I say seems to because no one can remember her behaving erratically and the hidden entries that come across as someone clear headed point to an issue with my father's controlling tendencies."
"Do you think the answer to her actions is a mix of both?"
"Yeah, for now. I keep going over the entries hoping to find something more hidden there. My older sisters, my brothers-in-law, and Georgia are doing the same."
Arthur stands and gestures for Sage to do the same. "You're definitely ready for a break then. Come on. What sounds good? My treat?"
"Soup and salad or soup and sandwich sounds good so how about Brews & Stews?"
Lunch agreed upon, they head for the lifts, talking about the conference they're attending over two days next week and what Sage needs to do to finish preparing for the presentation he's giving.