|
|
Debating on Club Day
Author: Rylee
Date: 11-20-11 07:10
Club Day. Perhaps they'd have something interesting that I could devote some time to - though I doubted it, and I'd probably have to spend my time amongst people who actually thought that they were interesting. However, Mummy and Daddy insisted that I get some extra little boosts to make it appear that I am a well rounded student, and since I refuse to play Quidditch that leaves clubs.
I'd looked over the announcement earlier in the week and for the moment only two were crossed off my list - Athletics (because I simply don't do them) and Chess Club (seriously? Do I look like I enjoy sitting around playing chess with the nerds?).
"Evinrude, are you part of any of the clubs here?" I inquired as I saw her coming into the commons from the dorms.
"No, but I am thinking of joining the Dance Club, or something. What about you, thinking of joining any?" She asked, coming over to look at the announcement that had been posted within the commons about it.
"I am considering the photography club, and Muggle Studies club, only because I think the Muggle Studies club will completely throw my parents into a fit. They might think I am planning on following in Nicholetta's footsteps and wanting to attend a Muggle university." I said with a laugh.
Evinrude chuckled and shook her head. "Bye Rylee..." She said, heading out of the commons.
As I watched Evinrude go, I got the distinct impression that she didn't like me very much, but merely humored me. Oh well, her loss really, I mean, what isn't to like about me? Shrugging I turned away from the expanse of the bulletin board and moved to plop down on one of the chairs, pulling my nail file out of my Dulce and Gabana hand bag, I quickly filed my nails to perfection. "I think a coat of silver and emerald polish later tonight will be perfect." I would also do a matching pedicure later.
"You heading to Club Day Rylee?"
I turned to the source of the question, and barely held in a giddy giggle as Gideon moved toward me having come down from the dorms. He looked like he'd just gotten out of the bath, and smelled absolutely fantastic.
"I think so, not much else to do. You thinking of joining any of the clubs?" I asked, pushing myself up, stowing the nail file back into my bag, before turning to Gideon and the pair of us headed out of the commons toward the set up in the Great Hall.
"I am thinking the Athletics club for myself, and maybe the Muggle Studies club. What about you?" He asked, allowing me to step through the door before him and then walking by my side.
"Hmm...I am thinking possibly the photography club, though I know absolutely nothing about handling a camera, I am good at posing in front of one though." I said with an impish grin, before continuing. "I'd also thought of a Muggle Studies one, but that is more to drive my parents a bit crazy with potential thoughts that I am considering going to a muggle uni when I get out of here." I said with a light laugh.
Gideon and I fell into a light conversation as we walked from the dungeons up to the Great Hall. Once in the midst of everything we turned our attention to the various booths, going to get information from the ones that most interested us and then debating on leaving or staying around and seeing what else could happen during the event.
New Purchase
Author: Carys
Date: 11-20-11 10:52
Carys pulled on Griffin's hand, leading him into the building she'd just purchased for her new photography studio. She hadn't yet decided what she would call it once it opened––Hanham-Beauvais Photography was a bit of a mouthful––but she would have plenty of time to think of something. Carys didn't plan on opening the studio anytime soon. She'd only jumped at purchasing the building now because she was afraid somebody else would beat her to it.
"The floor plan is really similar to Mum's old studio," Carys told Griffin, as she led him through the building. "I can probably arrange things the way she'd done, with a few changes here and there."
"I can see why you like this place," Griffin remarked, looking around as Carys led him from room to room. "It will make the perfect studio."
"I know!" Carys gushed. "At first I couldn't decide if buying the building next door to Mum's old place (not to mention my therapist's office) was a drawback, but I couldn't be happier about it now that I've really given it some thought. I have a lot of happy memories from next door. And if I ever feel like I need to talk to somebody, I don't have to go far. Amoret has an open-door policy, so as long as she's not in a session with somebody else, I can walk on in."
Griffin smiled at Carys, happy to see her so happy. He'd seen her upset far too often. This was a nice change.
"What's upstairs?" he asked.
"It's just half a floor, really," Carys explained, leading him up the stairs. "There's an office and a storage closet. It's too small to be a dark room so I'll probably convert one of the downstairs rooms for that."
The building was mostly empty, but a few pieces of furniture had been left behind by the previous owners. A two-person sofa, covered by a white sheet, sat against the wall in the office. Carys hadn't peeked under the sheet yet to see what the sofa looked like.
"So, what do you think?" she asked Griffin, finally letting go of his hand. She turned around to face him and grinned.
"I love it," Griff replied, with a smile of his own. "I can already picture what it will look like once you're finished renovating."
Carys could too. She'd had the image in her mind since the moment she'd first peeked into the front windows.
She took his hand again and then reached for the other. "I know I've already said it once––more than once, really––but thank you."
"You don't have to thank me for anything."
"Yes, I do. I wouldn't have even thought to do this if you hadn't planted the idea in my head. And yes, thank you for the money."
"Carys––"
But Carys wouldn't let him finish. She knew why Griffin had always supported her, even when his only obligation lay with their son. He'd never stopped caring for her, even though there was a time when she probably hadn't deserved his love.
She raised herself up on tiptoes and kissed him on the lips, silencing whatever he'd been wanting to say.
Drama Club Table With Adriana
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 11-20-11 11:43
Coffee mug in hand, Adriana sits in one of the comfortable chairs Julian conjured from home for the Drama Club's table. "I don't see why you're against my suggestion, Jules."
"I'm not against it. You sprang it on me after we'd already decided the first production."
"So you aren't saying no outright."
"Correct. We can do, what's it called again?"
"The Lion King."
"We can do it later in the term. Wizard of Oz was your idea, so why are you now wanting to change it?"
"I don't know. Maybe because comparatively speaking the Wizard of Oz requires a larger cast. All those Munchkins, you know."
"I thought I told you. Dobby asked if some of the House Elfs would be Munchkins."
Adriana throatily chuckles. "No, you hadn't mentioned it, but that's wonderful."
Caerwyn and Augustus approach the table then. "Hi, Dad. Professor Fairchild."
"Hello, Professor. Mr. Valentine."
"Hi, boys. How's your morning so far?" Julian asks as Adriana raises a hand and murmurs a hello.
"Going okay." Caerwyn picks up one of the copies of plays that Julian has fanned out. "What's Wizard of Oz?"
It's Adriana who answers. "It's a play based on one of a series of books by a Muggle author named Frank L. Baum. A girl called Dorothy and her dog gets swept up in a tornado and deposited somewhere over the rainbow in the land of Oz. The story is about her trying to get back home to Kansas. There is this version of the play and a musical one that was also made into a movie that's very famous in parts of the Muggle World."
"Cool," Gus and Caerwyn say at the same time.
"Going to join us in putting on the production," Adriana asks them, a smile playing on her lips.
"Maybe," Caerwyn noncomittally replies, never sure about getting involved in something overseen by his father even though they have become close since Caerwyn went to live with Julian.
Gus, on the other hand, says, "It might be fun. What are the roles?"
Julian hands a copy of the play to Gus. "Take this and see for yourself." To Caerwyn he hands a small cloth, drawstring coin purse. "For Hogsmeade weekend. I know you have some money already but here's a little more."
"Thanks, Dad!"
Julian affectionately pats Caerwyn's shoulder then the boys are off to check out another of the clubs. Adriana comes to stand by him, watching the two walk away. "Your son is a cutie, Julian. I have personally witnessed girls checking him out."
"I can't say I'm surprised. When I was his age I was the one doing the pursuing though."
"You were born pursuing women, Jules," Adriana gives another of her throatly laughs. "I well remember you as a child. Unlike you, though, Caerwyn is unfailingly polite and extremely thoughtful. He must have gotten those traits from his mother."
The thought of Afton Carew being unfailingly polite and extremely thoughtful has Julian snickering, almost regretting that he'd chosen just then to take a sip of his own coffee. When he's able to speak he tells her, "I can assure you those are not traits from his mum. She was ." Julian pauses, trying to think of how best to describe Afton and he also casts a glance about making sure no student ears are currently within hearing range. "She was one of those people, Adriana, who is best described as evil."
"Coming from you, that's saying a lot. You will have to tell me more sometime when we are not someplace where we have to watch what we say." Adriana suddenly grins and reaches out to place a well manicured fingers bright with scarlet polish on his arm. "And no, that wasn't a jibe to say you are or were ever evil. You always were the, " she drops her voice even lower, "consummate bad boy who liked to play the field."
Voice equally low, well aware that they are in the Hogwarts Great Hall with students mingling all around, Julian teases, "Why, Adriana, if I didn't know better I'd think you are hitting on me."
That throaty chuckle again as she moves away, eyes twinkling to greet another student who's come up to the table.
Hogwarts Pet Society
Author: Jolyon
Date: 11-20-11 11:53
The Hogwarts Pet Society was a brand new club offered at Hogwarts. Led by Professor Kent and Indigo McFusty from the pet shop and veterinary clinic in Hogsmeade, the club was for anybody who had pets at Hogwarts or who liked animals in general. Jolyon and Indigo planned on focusing on more mundane magical creatures, like kneazles and crups, rather than everything else students learned about in Care of Magical Creatures class. Owls, toads, cats, rats, dogs, fish, and ordinary birds like canaries and parakeets would also be featured in the weekly meetings.
Jolyon envisioned members bringing their pets to the barn or the immediate grounds (weather permitting) so that the animals could socialize with each other and their owners. The idea came to mind after Jolyon had visited a Muggle dog park with Sarina over the summer. It had been quite a lot of fun watching the dogs cavort with each other and their owners.
During a visit to McFusty's Pets and Clinic a few weeks later, Jolyon and Indigo had gotten to talking. During that conversation, the Hogwarts Pet Society had blossomed from just an idea to a partnership between the two of them. Indigo specialized in household pets and could bring examples of just about anything to the meetings, assuming the animal's availability, of course.
He'd brought a large basket of kittens to Club Day, which were already proving a hit with everybody, but especially the girls. The kittens were just old enough to leave their mother and came in all sorts of colors and patterns. Jolyon held a purring, tuxedo-patterned kitten to his chest. It had four little white paws.
"Will we always get to cuddle with kittens?" asked Penny Puckett. She picked up an orange tabby and hugged it to her chest.
Indigo chuckled. "Not every week, but I'm sure you will get the opportunity every now and again."
"Kittens don't stay kittens forever," Jolyon reminded Penny with a smile. "They have to grow up too."
"They're just so cute!" Penny exclaimed, reluctantly setting the tabby back into the basket. The orange cat climbed over the back of one of its litter mates and then raised itself on its hind legs to look over the edge of the basket.
Penny was dragged away from the table by her friends.
In the brief respite between students, Jolyon grinned at Indigo. "You were smart to bring the kittens. All of Hogwarts will be signed up for the club before the day is out!"
"That was my master plan all along," Indigo replied back, grinning.
(Azaelia) Book Group
Author: Isolde
Date: 11-20-11 13:13
As a student, Azaelia hadn't participated in any of the clubs offered at Hogwarts. The only extracurricular activity she'd had any interest in had been Quidditch. She'd played chaser for the Slytherin team.
That had been a long time ago.
Now she was the librarian at Hogwarts and the staff sponsor of the Book Group. This was her third year in both roles. It was hard to believe that so much time had passed already! In just a few short years it would be 10 years since she would have graduated from Hogwarts, had she not transferred to La Escuela de Hechiceria during her fifth year. She could hardly believe that either.
Azaelia was glad for the chance to interact with the students more than she did just as the school librarian. Book Group wasn't the most popular club at Hogwarts, but it did draw in some loyal members year after year. It certainly helped that the books they read were exclusively for leisure.
She had a few of the past selections on display at her table. She also had a stack of other books, including some new Young Adult releases, which she hoped would entice new members to the group.
Azaelia spotted Mark Farnon, who was her cousin's cousin but not her own, enter the room with his usual entourage. She started to call out to him, her table being one of the nearest ones to the Great Hall doors, but then she stopped when she saw him holding the hand of Kate Dewhurst.
That was an interesting development. Azaelia thought Kate was a nice girl. At Kate and Mark's age, though, Azaelia had possessed the same prejudices she knew that Mark's parents still held today. She wondered what Mr. and Mrs. Farnon thought about his relationship. Maybe Isolde had some idea––if Isolde even knew about her cousin's new girlfriend. Hmm…
Mark spotted his cousin's cousin and wandered over with his group of friends. "Hi, Miss Bramble," he greeted. Being at school, he addressed her as he would any teacher.
"Hi, Mark. Hi, Kate." Azaelia greeted Johanna, Felicia and Gus too. "Are you interested in joining the Book Group?"
Gus shook his head. "Sorry, Miss Bramble. I don't like to read."
"That's too bad!" Azaelia exclaimed.
Kate let go of Mark's hand to pick up one of the books on display. "I'm interested in joining," she said.
"Great," Azaelia happily replied. "Just sign your name here."
Kate picked up a quill and jotted her name down on the very short list.
"Mark?" Azaelia asked.
He hesitated. She could tell he really didn't want to join. Kate wasn't the type to put pressure on him either.
"Maybe I'll come back," Mark finally said. "I want to see what else there is."
"Sure."
Kate put the book back and then took Mark's hand again. The group meandered off to see another booth.
Confused
Author: Griffin Price
Date: 11-20-11 13:41
When Carys's lips lightly press against Griff's his first instinct is to wrap arms around Carys pulling her closer. He'd already responded by pressing his own lips back against hers but catches himself before he catches her up in an embrace.
With great force of will Griff ends the kiss, taking a step back from Carys. She looks confused, puzzled, hurt.
With a hoarseness that wasn't there just a second ago Griff tells her, "Like I said, Carys, you don't have to keep thanking me. What helps you, helps Tristan."
Carys colors slightly. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have kissed you. I misread "
"You didn't misread anything," he cuts in.
Her confusion is back. "I don't understand."
Griff lets out a sound of frustration, gaze going past Carys at nothing in particular. She gives him the moment to collect his thoughts though it's clear from her expression there's a question ready to spill forth.
He puts a little more distance between them before meeting her eyes again. "I'd do anything for you, Carys, but ." He makes the exasperated sound again, turns and walks over to one of the windows. He's expecting Carys to jump in with a, "But what, Griff," but she remains silent, waiting.
When he turns to perch against the window, Carys hasn't moved. "When we got together at Hogwarts, I know you weren't with me because you cared about me. At times I got the impression you didn't even like me much. I know you were angry and lashing out and were hung up on someone else. I knew all that and was older, more mature and should have backed off but I can't ever think straight around you, Carys. I didn't then and I sure as hell don't now."
Carys shakes her head. "It wasn't like that."
"It's nice of you to say but we both know it was exactly like that. Thing is, even though I knew all that, even though I knew we shouldn't get involved, I didn't try very hard to stay clear of you. See, even though you were the good girl acting secretly bad, even though you were with me for all the wrong reasons, I wanted so badly to be with you because for me, you've always been the one. You've asked why I don't seem to date much. I told you it's because between work and Tristan I stay busy but truth is, it's because of you. I don't want anyone else, Carys."
"Then why don't you want to kiss me now?"
"You think I don't want to kiss you? Jesus, Carys, if you knew exactly what I'd like to be doing with you right now... "
Carys finally moves, covering half the distance to Griff then stopping again. "You've just told me I've always been the one for you. I want to kiss you. You want to kiss me. I'm not understanding the problem here, Griff."
"I love you, Carys. I want to be with you. I want you to want to be with me. What I don't want to be for you again is a simple convenience."
"You think that's all this is?"
"I don't know what this is."
"It's for damn sure not you getting thanked with a few kisses and something more. You really think I'd do that?"
"No. No, I know you would't show gratitude that way. What I'm saying is... Hell, I'm screwing this up."
Carys crosses the rest of the way to Griff. "I do care about you, far beyond gratitude. I wanted to kiss you, Griffin Price, because the moment felt right. I am so angry with you right now but if you were to ask me on a proper date, I'd be inclined to say yes."
"A proper date?"
"Yes, a proper date. Dinner. Dancing or going somewhere else fun. No Tristan along. Maybe send me flowers."
"Carys, are you free for dinner tonight? Maybe catch a performance of that comedy show we saw posters for in Diagon Alley the other day?"
"It's a little short notice, Griffin, but yes, that would be nice. You may call for me at seven."
Carys suddenly flashes a somewhat impish grin then turns and flits away. "I need to start making a list of what this place needs. Let's start by getting a peek at the sofa under that sheet."
Griff's the one who's a little confused now, but then again, he often feels confused when he's within a hundred yards of Carys Hanham-Beauvais.
Club Day
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 11-20-11 14:00
"Why are we here? Seriously, you two drag me here each year and you end up not joining any club. It's always the same thing." Gus complained as they walked alongside the Great Hall studying every booth carefully. There was no sign of Mark or Kate but Johanna knew they were probably in the middle of the crowd. Eventually they would find them.
"Why don't you sign into any club?" Johanna asked, as she checked the Astronomy club, ran by Professor Jones.
"I have Quidditch. I don't have time for these silly distractions. What's the point of all this when you don't win anything?"
"You may not win a shiny cup or a match, but you win some experience. Maybe meet new people and of course have some fun," Johanna explained to Gus.
"That doesn't bring you any glory or recognition."
He took a look at the Poet's Society booth where Professor Hodfuffer was talking to a few students with a kind smile. A pile of books were beside him. "Where is the fun of having a poem to analyze and study? I'm well served with the school texts I have to study, thank you," He teased. Felicia sent him a look filled with annoyance, because she was probably thinking on checking that club.
As they approached Professor Quigley's booth some girls nearby looked at Gus and with excitement quickly spoke to Professor Quigley and signed into the Art Society club, as Gus checked one of the informative scrolls about it. They giggled, happy they would join the same club as the Slytherin keeper, and so they would spend some time with him during the club's meetings. Maybe they would even get the chance to get to know him and they would greet him at the corridors and he would wave back to them.
"This sounds so boring." Gus whispered to Johanna and Felicia. They laughed because the girls looked shocked as Gus left the booth without signing in. Gus wasn't aware of them. He then he noticed Roger and Joanna Porter holding hands checking the Herbology club. "Look at those nerds, wanting to learn more on plants. Are you sure you don't want me to hit him, Johanna? I can ask Mark to lend me his beater bat. I can say it was an accident…"
Johanna felt happy knowing Gus was prepared to hit Roger if she wanted him to do so. But Roger had done nothing wrong. They broke up and it just happened he started dating Joanna Porter right away. That was not a crime. Of course Johanna didn't tell Gus what Roger told her about him. She knew Gus probably wouldn't hesitate get his revenge at the Ravenclaw boy. That could make him act without thinking and probably he would make something stupid, loose points for their house and maybe get a detention. So Johanna didn't tell Gus why she broke up with Roger. Gus was convinced it had been Roger, maybe because Felicia was always asking if Johanna was alright when they spotted Roger, almost afraid she would cry at any moment. But Johanna wasn't worried about Roger and his new girlfriend. She had already gotten over him.
"Now that would be interesting!" Gus said, almost running towards the Dueling Club booth. He wanted to sign in, just to get the chance to knock someone down with his wand. Johanna thought maybe that would be a nice club to join. Learn useful spells and domain them. She wrote her name into a piece of paper Professor Somerset handed her. Gus decided not to join yet, because he still had the Quidditch to focus on. He had to do some thinking.
They spotted Mark and Kate holding hands in a booth nearby. They greeted and joined them and then their attention went to the Book Group booth held by Miss Bramble. The group moved towards it ready to check it out.