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The Problem Of Alex
Author: Plum
Date: 02-13-10 11:00
Kody's mother Laura hands a sniffling Plum a steaming cup of tea and gently says, "Now, why don't you tell me what happened? Anthony, Alex, and you were to your grandmother's for lunch and then?"
Plum takes a sip of the tea, which in typical British fashion acts as a soothing agent. She holds her face over the steaming up, breathing in the earthy aroma with just a hint of peppermint, and closes her eyes while composing herself. Anthony, Alex, and she had arrived not above ten minutes ago, Plum teary eyed and agitated and Anthony flushed with anger. Laura had taken one look at them and promptly sent Alex off with Kordelia to look at some of the Reese-Emerson fish then guided Anthony and Plum into a cozy den to talk.
Anthony stands near a tall window, looking out on part of the Reese-Emerson gardens, clutching tightly the cup of tea Laura had given him just before giving Plum hers. Turning away from the window, face set in hard lines, Anthony says, "We should have gone to my grandfather instead of coming here and bothering you."
Laura gives Anthony with a motherly stern gaze, "Since when are visits from either of you a bother?"
From her spot on the couch Plum says, "I think Anthony means we should have gone to his grandfather because this is a legal matter."
Laura's brow crinkles. "What legal matter?"
Plum starts to reply but ends up sniffling again and reaching for a tissue. As angry as Anthony appears to be, his voice is oddly flat. "The Weavers want Alex."
"Want Alex?"
Plum says, "We were having such a pleasant lunch then my grandmother said in this very bright, cheery voice that William - that's her husband - and she had come up with a solution to our problem."
"We didn't even know we had a problem," Anthony states in that same, oddly flat tone.
"When we said as much Anissa said the problem of Alex. She referred to Alex as a problem. Can you believe that?" Plum says as Anthony moves away from the window to sit by her on the couch, sliding one arm around her.
"Anissa has some notion that Alex is a burden on us and wants to take custody of him, not only as legal guardian but to formally adopt," Anthony furhter clarifies for Laura.
Plum wipes her nose again and while her eyes are still dewey she stops the sniffling. "We informed Anissa and William that our sisutation is no different from any young couple's with a small child. She said it's not the same at all and claims that if not for taking out monstrous loans, I would have had to give Alex up long ago."
"You never took out any sort of loan," Laura says, clearly perplexed by that statement. "Christopher and I don't consider the assistance we gave you as a loan, even though you've insisted on a plan to repay us."
"Anissa doesn't know about the help you gave Plum and Alex. All she and William are aware of is that Plum was struggling and then she wasn't."
"It's really not their business how I managed," Plum hotly adds.
"So they think you took out a loan of some sort and are now deeply in debt?"
"Yes, and even implied the type of loan wasn't exactly above board and that Plum may have done some other unsavory things. When we informed them that Plum had done nothing illegal or illicit she finally said she'd gotten help from the parents of a good friend."
"And?"
Plum's voice rises, fury evident, when she tells Laura, "And they said that of course I'd say something like that."
Disgusted with what she's hearing, Laura's eyes narrow. "I am going to go speak with those two and make a few things clear."
Anthony shakes his head. "They don't want to hear it, at least not right now. They said that we'd just be getting someone to cover for Plum's actions."
"That's when we left and I guess we came here first because you were on our minds," Plum says. Then with voice quivering she asks, "How can she want to take Alex from me? I've been a mother to him as long as Mum was."
"Slightly longer really," Anthony quietly says, not needed to point out that it's been just over two years since Mary Lancaster died.
"They will not take Alex," Laura firmly states. "Alex is more of a grandson to Christopher and me than he is to that woman and I'm sure the Becks consider him to be as much a part of their family as I consider you and him to be part of mine. Between the contacts Anthony's grandfather, Christopher and I have, you will have the very best solicitor who will put those two in their place."
It's at that moment that Alex bursts into the room, Kordelia chasing right behind, excitedly jabbering, "I petted de fish! Come see!"
Plum backhands her eyes and stands with a smile, hand out to outstretched to Alex. "There's a fish you can pet? Is it a very big fish?"
"Weally big. Come see. I feed it."
Alex takes hold of Plum's hand then grabs Anthony to urge, "Come on!"
With some of the tension draining, they let Alex pull them along to see the fish.
Not A Mind Reader
Author: Saffron
Date: 02-13-10 17:14
"Help yourself to a sweet," Saffron says as second year Demetrius Whitmore approaches the Arithmancy & Divination table. The sweets are a mixture of sugar biscuits and candy in the shapes of such things as tarot cards, tea cups, astrological signs, and crystal balls.
Demetrius selects a large cookie and starts munching it while looking over some of the information and items Saffron has on display. He takes a bite of the biscuit then waves it in an encompassing arc to take in the contents of the entire booth. "My mum says all this is a crock."
"That's a perception held by many. Don't let that stop you from taking the course at least one school term. You would be better able to form your own opinion and even if you decided it's a crock, that doesn't mean you wouldn't learn something interesting or useful or have some fun with it."
"You already know what I'm going to do?" he eyes her somewhat suspiciously. "What am I thinking right now?"
Saffron smiles with amusement but doesn't laugh aloud. She shrugs and holds her hands out as if in supplication. "I don't know as I'm not a mind reader."
"You aren't?"
"No, though some who practice divination do have the psychic ability to do what is commonly called reading minds, most don't. Some people who do claim to be mind readers aren't actually gifted psychically but are just very skilled at something called legilimency."
"I'm glad you can't read my mind," Demetrius says with obvious relief. "You can see the future though, right?"
"Sometimes, yes."
"Only sometimes?"
"There have been through history and are now some very rare individuals who successfully see the future every single time they try, using whatever methods each prefers. When it comes to certain forms of readings, such as the tarot and tasseography, which is just the fancy term for reading tea leaves, I'm able to always tell something with varying degrees of specificity "
"Speci what?"
"Specificity. Being specific. Sometimes what I get from such readings is very vague yet other times it's extremely specific and a reading might range anywhere in between. Crystal ball gazing can be hit or miss depending on a number of factors but it too varies with just how vague or how specific the information is. Dreams and visions I used to be better with; now, some days I still get crisp, clear visions or dreams but most days if I get anything at all, it's a lot of vague symbolism."
"How come?"
Saffron taps her temple. "I had a brain tumor. It messed up that part of my gift."
Demetrius, who is on his third sugar biscuit, frowns at that. "Oh. Sorry."
"No need to be but thank you for saying so."
"Is it all right if I look over some of this stuff?"
"Of course. Talk to some of my students as well. I'd love to have you but I do understand if you go with electives that don't include Arithmancy & Divination."
"Too bad we can't take more than two."
"From my understanding, there was a time when students were allowed but eventually the decision was made that it's in students' best interests to have a limit."
"At least Fitness & Athletics doesn't count as one of the two!"
With that happy pronouncement, Demetrius helps himself to another cookie and meanders over to talk to Saffron's student Damian Lampwick to get his opinion on taking Professor Sacheverelle's course.
Course Day
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 02-14-10 14:02
Lawrence had arranged it with some of his students, the fifth, sixth and seventh years to come and speak to the younger years about the advanced herbology classes, the O.W.L and N.E.W.T level coursework and the like. Adelaide Adams, James Lennox, and Curtis Fiennes were the three students that would be aiding him during Course Day in the Great Hall.
The table was set up with a full herbology kit – the items required for his coursework at Hogwarts. He’d assembled several dozen of them when he’d been working part time at the Herbal store in Diagon Alley. They contained vials, gloves, tweezers and a few other items for the collection and preservation of specimens of all items. Also, there were small sample cups of different herbal teas, as well as berry scones, and sweets that are made with many of items that are discussed within the coursework.
“What kind of careers can herbology be helpful for?” A second year Gryffindor asked.
“Herbology is helpful for careers in the medical field. Teaching herbology or potionmaking are also fields that require some herbal knowledge. Have a cup of tea, or some of the sweets.” Lawrence said.
The young Gryffindor, whose name was Charisma Stone, then turned toward Adelaide Adams and asked a very pertinent question. “What made you decide to continue on in herbology instead of dropping it in favor of something else?” She asked, and nibbled on a scone.
“I love learning about the plants, love learning about the things that they can and cannot do. Also, Professor Masterson is a fantastic teacher and knows all about the different plants.” Adelaide said and then looked toward James Lennox. “What about you James?”
“Herbology is something that has always interested me, and we have learned about plants that grow all over the world and what they are used for. Also, they are quite tasty!” He said, motioning toward the scones and pastries that Professor Masterson had brought in for the day.
“Thank you.” She heard a similar answer from Curtis Finnes. She pondered the information, as she wandered off.
Lawrence, Adelaide, John, and Curtis answered several questions from each of the students that came to the table. Several seemed eager to continue their coursework in Herbology, and continue their coursework after they left Marzipan’s course after the fourth year.
So Many Choices
Author: Charisma Stone
Date: 02-14-10 14:20
She was going to be a Third Year, which, had there not been the indoctrination of the mandatory segregation of the British Wizarding World, she -would- be a third year already, instead because of her time at Happy Haven School for Nons, she was repeating second year. That's alright. She's fine with that - it provided her with a much, much needed refresher on her magical theory and the like.
She had started with Herbology, debating on if she wanted to continue it, or if she wanted to take something else in its place. However, she couldn’t drop Herbology if she wanted to, until fifth year. She would finish out her coursework with Professor Ravenscroft before she decided on what she wanted to do Herbology wise. However, she was now debating on adding another class or two. She had a list of electives that she could add, muggle studies, not something she really needed, but would be talking to Professor Miller about the coursework and she’d heard about a place called Cloud’s Kiss or something like that.
Blake and Eric were currently talking to Professor Kent about the coursework of Care of Magical Creatures and there were a couple of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff students talking along with them. She was debating Care of Magical Creatures as well, but she was also considering Ancient Runes and Arithmancy as well.
After she left the Herbology table, she headed toward the Ancient Runes table. She wanted to speak to Professor Hodfuffer, because she’d already shown her father’s talent for languages. Perhaps the learning of the Runes would be helpful, and it was the closest coursework that Hogwarts offered to linguistic work. She wasn’t sure she wanted to do linguistics either, but she still had five years to decide, before she had to figure out if she was going to be going to a Wizarding University or not.
She stepped off to the side, rubbing her temples a moment before she stepped back into the milling students. She came forward and offered Professor Miller a brilliant smile, that her mother would be proud of, she was after-all part Veela. “Good day Professor Miller. Can you perhaps tell me a bit about your coursework? The things I will be learning about, and this place, I believe it is called Cloud’s Kiss?” She tilted her head, looking over his table for a moment. She also nodded her head toward the few students who were talking to current enrolled students.
Assisting Professor Snape
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 02-14-10 19:40
As a seventh year, Fritz doesn't attend the first Course Day at Hogwarts because he wants more information about the various classes offered. He's there because Professor Snape specifically asked him to give his point of view about the upper level Potions classes.
When Snape first came to Fritz about the opportunity, it surprised him. Snape had never approached Fritz about anything in a kind manner, though to say Snape had been kind might be overstating it. He'd simply been straightforward about it, instead of stern or sarcastic like he usually was when he said anything to anybody.
Fritz knows that he is one of Snape's better students and that Potions is his absolute best class at Hogwarts. Perhaps it's only suitable that he's lending his time to talk to students interested in taking N.E.W.T. level potions. Professor Snape is present, too, but more students feel comfortable talking to Fritz about the class than they do Snape.
Of course, N.E.W.T. level potions isn't exactly an elective, meaning that it's not necessarily up to the student whether or not he or she gets to take the class. As Fritz explains to his listeners (while being acutely aware that Snape is listening to everything he says too), "Professor Snape will only accept you in the class if you pass the Potions O.W.L. with an Outstanding." Anybody earning anything less than an O just can't take the class. Of course, all those who do earn an O have the option to continue on or drop Potions altogether.
Since Potions is Fritz's favorite class, it was easy for him to want to continue on with the course, and it was thanks to the Outstanding he got on the Potions O.W.L. that allowed him to do so. Some students might be put off by the class because Snape teaches it, but Fritz knows that the wizard is a genius, even if he's sometimes quite cruel.
As the afternoon wears on, Fritz finds that what he consistently tells the younger students is that if they want to continue on with Potions, then they must do their absolute best during their O.W.L. year and most importantly study extra hard for that end-of-year Potions exam.
Muggle Studies Class & Club
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 02-14-10 22:28
Niccola had been cranky all night, which meant neither Saffron nor I had gotten any sleep either. I was fine this morning during the apparition lesson and at lunch but here it is, early afternoon and barely into the first Hogwarts Course Day and it's all I can do not to yawn every few minutes. At least I have plenty of really strong coffee to keep me fortified.
Deak had offered to help out today but I didn't hold him to the offer since he's not actually a Muggle Studies student. I'd ended up asking Baltus Crane, Arista Lampwick, Edith Parr, James Lennox, and Emerald Green to be on hand over the two hour period to answer questions from a student perspective about taking Muggle Studies. I also had visual displays and handouts that include information on the Muggle Studies Club. Some of the displays have pictures of and information on the different trips I've taken seventh years on since first coming to work at Hogwarts and two displays are all about field trips taken.
Some students choose to just look over the displays and take the various handouts without asking anything of me or the Muggle Studies students manning the table, some ask a few questions while others ask enough questions to fill a notebook. I don't mind a long list of questions thrown at me one bit. For one thing, even if the student doing all the asking ends up deciding not to take Muggle Studies, all the questions show a curious mind, which is generally a good thing. For another, having a specific focus does help with the sleepiness issue.
No matter how few or how many questions a student has I invite the student to Cloud's Kiss this evening for pizza that we'll make ourselves, s'mores (which I have to explain to a few), and video games. I also offer to give a tour to those students, such as Charisma Stone, who haven't yet been to Cloud's Kiss for a Muggle Club meeting or one of the other fun goings on we've had. I can show pictures of Muggle kitchen appliances, computers, telephones, and other Muggle items the Muggle Studies students learn how to use but seeing these objects in person is just so much more effective. For those students who voice aloud a desire to learn more but who think they'll end up with other electives, I remind them of something they might have forgotten since the Club Day the school had earlier in the term. They can atten Muggle Studies Club meetings and experience some of these objects without having to be in one of the Muggle Studies classes.
After finishing with one student, I feel another series of yawns threatening. Grabbing my coffee cup I take a long drink of the aromatic brew, wondering if injecting it straight into my veins would have a faster waking up effect. Maybe I should consider taking a pepper up potion or whatever those things are called, though I really don't want to go that route unless I find myself dozing off where I stand.
Wonderful Day
Author: Linnea Rose
Date: 02-15-10 13:16
I waked up like every other day with the smile on my face. I watch around the room. It was Saturday and I could do fun things all day. Like sitting in the sun and read some of my books mama had sent to me from home. But also test some of the spells that we have learned during lessons.
I walked up and dressed myself after that I walked to the Great Hall to have breakfast. I came in to the Hall and found hall filled with students eating their breakfast. I walked to the table and sat down on the bench and had some toast and some orange juice. After finishing breakfast I went back to the dormitory to get the books that I choose to read today.
I went out in to the sunny courtyard where I walked for a little time in the sunshine, when I had walked for a while I sat myself on a bench and started to read. I thought that I should read til it was time for lunch so I sat their for a couple of hour seeing people pass by. Read was something I enjoyed and my shelf was filled with historical books which was my favoirt subject.
A couple of hours passed and I went back to the Castle and went to the Great Hall where the lunch was to be served. It was a wounderful lunch and I was really satisfied with the food when I went back to the dormitory where I put my bag back on my coffort and then took out my wand and practiced some spells I learned during the week. The rest of the day went on like some had made the time go faster and before I know it was dinner and night.
After the dinner I went to my bedroom which I also share with some other first year students. I pick up the clothes I need for tomorrow and then went to bed with my A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot. I read a little while and then I blow the candle out and went to sleep dreaming of the lovely things I would to tomorrow. I though when I slept that Saturday had floated away like a dream.