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In Attendance
Author: Illyria
Date: 05-02-14 16:55
Teaching lower years Astronomy, which was required of all students, Illyria didn't have a table in the Great Hall for Course Day. She nevertheless made herself a fixture there to talk to students if they wanted her advice on anything.
Most of the students she observed in the Great Hall were second years who had the big decision of choosing their electives ahead of them. Some of them already took the extra class available to all students. Professor Krum was there in the Great Hall talking about Fitness & Athletics for students who weren't enrolled in the optional course and wanted more information about it.
There were some older students in the Great Hall as well. Some mulled over switching electives, either because they discovered they didn't care for whatever they were already taking or perhaps simply to try something new. Then there were the fifth years preparing to take N.E.W.T.-level courses during their sixth and seventh years. Some professors accepted anyone interested into their classes. Others, like Professor Snape, had strict requirements.
Illyria moved to one of the walls and leaned against it. As she watched students drift in and out of the Great Hall, she thought about her evening plans. Erigone and family were visiting from India to show off Isaac, a son born in January. Arsinoe was hosting dinner at her house and everyone, newly married Urania and Gustavo included, would be there.
Illyria looked forward to being in the same house with all her sisters and their families but it would also serve as a reminder that she was the only remaining Jones girl unmarried and without children. She didn't normally think she was missing anything, but sometimes the feeling hit her like a ton of bricks. It also didn't help that despite the many grandchildren her mother already had, she always hinted at wanting more.
At least things seemed to be going well with Nathan. Who knew? Maybe one day they would feel ready to settle down and start a family of their own.
Illyria smiled to herself and then pushed herself off the wall to walk off her daydreaming.
(Mark) Doing Nothing
Author: Isolde
Date: 05-02-14 18:07
The Slytherin Common Room wasn't as empty as Mark had hoped it would be. Course Day in the Great Hall only drew a select crowd and the weather was still wintry enough that no one wanted to leave the castle. At least the common room wasn't as packed as it might be if the Common Common Room didn't exist.
Mark sat in an overstuffed armchair with Capri on his lap. She was actually reading one of her textbooks, making a good show of preparing for the NEWTs, but Mark couldn't bring himself to do anything. He knew he had to study sometime, because he definitely didn't want to get held back and have to repeat his seventh year. If it came down to it, he supposed he could just leave, but even though Mark wasn't a very serious student, it seemed somewhat shameful not to graduate properly.
He stifled a sigh when he saw Gus making his way toward him, but it rapidly became clear that Gus hadn't noticed him at all. His mind appeared to be on other matters, and he breezed by and through the portal, disappearing from sight.
"If he weren't such a jerk, I would say he's pretty hot," Capri murmured, without looking up from her book.
"Get in line," Mark replied, thinking about how many female fans Gus already had, "but let's not ruin my mood by talking about him. Andromeda."
"What?" Capri asked, finally looking up from her book. "She's really not a better topic of conversation."
"No, she just came in," Mark said, indicating across the room with a tilt of his head.
Capri turned to look and saw Andromeda there with her two friends, with whom she seemed to have made amends. Kirby still looked lovelorn, which Andromeda saw as an advantage. Her hands were free, while Kirby carried all her things.
As if sensing two pairs of eyes on her, the younger Brycin sister swiveled her head around and fixed her gaze on Mark and Capri.
"Don't," Mark warned in a low tone. "You don't want to lose more points or cause a scene."
Capri ground her teeth together and muttered, "Fine. Let's get out of here." She got up and picked up the rest of her books.
Mark climbed to his feet and took the books she thrust into his arms.
"Let's go to the library," Capri said. "Maybe we can get one of the private carrels."
"Lead the way."
They walked out of the common room, leaving Andromeda and all her drama behind, at least for a little while.
Even More Confused (Lilith & Savannah)
Author: Saffron
Date: 05-02-14 20:45
Savannah and Lilith had started out with Callie, Marion, Katheryn, and Hope but those four were all happy with their electives. They're mainly in the Great Hall to see what freebies professors might have. As Savannah and Lilith need to get serious about making decisions on what two extra courses they'll take beginning in the fall, the duo quickly lagged behind the other four.
The pair know they don't HAVE to take the same electives but it would be nice if they had an extra class or two together. Lilith thinks it's good there are only four elective courses to choose among because it's not an easy decision. At least not for her. Alchemy sounds vastly interesting so it's too bad it's only for sixth and seventh years or that would be the first elective she writes on the course form when they get them.
She's enjoyed being in the Muggle Studies Club and spending time every now and again with Marion with her "Aunt" Saffron and "Uncle" Aaron at Cloud's Kiss. She's certain she'd like the class but since she's in the club and has picked up some things on those extra visits, should be take something else instead?
Savannah, on the other hand, is fairly certain she will be taking Muggle Studies. As she also enjoys animals, she's thinking Care of Magical Creatures. Ancient Runes sounds interesting but then so does Arithmancy & Divination, in which she'd learn a little ancient runes according to the discussion she's just had with Professor Sacheverelle.
As Lilith and she walk away from the Arithmancy & Divination table, nibbling on A&D themed biscuits (Lilith's is a decorated crystal ball and Savannah's a little teacup as would be used for tea readings), Savannah asks, "What do you think?"
"About taking Arithmancy & Divination?"
"No, about the state of the galleon on the Chinese market."
"Ha. Why would you be sarcastic with that particular comment?"
"Something I saw in the Daily Prophet the other day. So?"
"I don't know. I think it could be interesting but I'm not sure it would be any better than one of the others."
"I know I want Muggle Studies without having to talk to Professor Miller. I think I might want Care of Magical Creatures but after talking with Professor Sacheverelle, I'm not so sure."
"Let's go talk with Professor Hodfuffer so we'll be even more confused on what we want."
With a laugh, Savannah links arms with Lilith to go find out more about the course of Ancient Runes as taught by AJ Hodfuffer.
Too Soon For the 'L' Word
Author: Capri Brycin
Date: 05-03-14 15:38
Capri had her nose buried in her History of Magic textbook but she kept rereading the same sentence over and over again. She hated History of Magic it was not a fun class; she liked history just not the boring droning on of the Professor.
Suddenly she looked up from her book and looked at Mark, "why does she have to be that way?"
"Who?" Mark asked.
"Andromeda." Capri replied flatly. "I just don't understand why she has to be such a bitch to me. I don't go out of my way to pick on her, I never have but she hates me."
"She might think that because your father moved you guys here from the US and she had to leave all her friends behind…and you're parents were always covering for you, especially your father. Maybe she is jealous."
"I know. I shouldn't have done what I did and I didn't mean for us to have to move away but she can't blame me forever…can she?"
"I wouldn't think so but I don't know she seems to be heading that way."
Capri sighed and rested her head on Mark's shoulder she took his hand with her free hand and brought it to her lips and kissed it. She wanted to tell him how she felt about him but figured that it was too soon in their relationship to use the 'L' word; but she could feel it she did love Mark. It was a first she had never loved anyone else before and she liked the way it felt.
"I don't want to study anymore. I am bored with it." She said kissing Mark's neck and then his jawline. "I can think of more fun things that we could be doing besides studying and talking about my sister." She smiled mischievously at him.
Mark smiled at her and they left the library and headed for a quiet place where they could be alone.
Do Bakery Chefs Need To Have Astronomy? (Mason)
Author: Pyrrhus
Date: 05-03-14 17:16
Snacking on a small square of cake snagged from a refreshments table Boris firmly states, "I'm not going to take Astronomy. If I'm going to be up late I want it to be on my own terms."
"I know what you mean. It would be nice if the very next morning we didn't have class first thing." Mason pauses before adding, "But, I'm not sure I'll be dropping it. I sort of like Professor Quigley and it can be cool looking through the telescopes and learning about all that stuff up there." Mason waves a hand towards the enchanted ceiling for emphasis.
"I wonder if I'll need another year or two of it for a career."
Mason, flicking his eyes at the yum looking biscuits Professor Sacheverelle has put out, asks with humor, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Boris lightly punches his friend on the arm. "You know I've not a bloody clue."
"Oh, I don't know. You could have decided these last five seconds. Eating that cake may have cinched your desire to be a bakery chef."
"I'd throw this last bite at you but it's too good to waste."
"Or you don't want to get docked points by all these professors who would be witness."
"Maybe that too." Boris crams that last bite into his mouth to remove the temptation to have a little food fight type fun.
The spend the next few minutes at the Arithmancy & Divination table, Boris mainly to get a decorated biscuit or two, Mason to get a biscuit and try to decide if he wants to add the course to his sixth year schedule.
From Professor Sacheverelle's table they turn to where Professor Fanshawe is just finishing with another student. From things he's heard, the class isn't bad. Problem is, he's wanting to reduce the number of courses his last two years at Hogwarts, not add to his course load.
Mason is almost positive he wants to take the class. Even though he's been exposed to the Wizarding World for several years now, he still finds certain aspects of it interesting. Alchemy seems to him like it would be one of those aspects.
A few more minutes spent talking about yet another class with yet another teacher and the two boys give Professor Fanshawe their thanks. As Boris has decided he wants another one of those cake squares, they meander back over to the refreshments table while discussing them both keeping Care of Magical Creatures as part of their sixth year studies.
Minimum Of Seven (Jasper & Liannah)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 05-03-14 19:47
Fifth years Liannah and Jasper make the Course Day rounds together. Being sixth years next fall term means no more mandatory courses. As long as they take a minimum of seven courses, not counting Fitness & Athletics, they can take whatever they wish. Or, more precisely, they may take whatever they wish if they make the minimum mark required on their O.W.L.s by certain professors, such as the Outstanding required for Potions by Professor Snape. Liannah is of the opinion that if Professor Weasley taught the upper years, that mark wouldn't have to be as high or there might not even be a minimum achievement required.
Sitting next to Jasper on some of the chairs scattered about the large room Liannah asks, "Do you know if Alchemy is one of the seven or is it not counted like Fitness & Athletics?"
"I don't think it counts. Thinking of taking it?"
"Aren't you?"
"No. Yes." Jasper exhales, sounding exasperated. "Maybe. I don't know. I should I suppose."
"Still thinking about becoming an Obliviator?"
"Yes, more and more every day." Jasper has even spoken with Professor Weatherby's husband about following that career path as Cameron Weatherby is an Obliviator for the British Ministry.
"Do you think you'd need to know Alchemy?"
"Not specifically but I'm going to have to have a good grasp of charms, transfiguration, and potions to be able to even be adequate at the job. I should think knowing some Alchemy would be useful," Jasper reasons since Obliviators do more than alter memories. They sometimes have to obliviate the results of magic performed where it should have been.
Liannah nods at his words before wistfully sighing, "I wish I better knew what I want to do. I think about how before there was St. Emrys or any of the universities in other countries that came after, I'd need to have some idea about now what I want to do with my life because that would determine what courses I take the next two yeas, which in turn would have affected if I'd be eligible for the training in that field."
"Yeah, but now you do have St. Emrys, or another school if you prefer, and time to think about it. You could also always do that gap year thing some of the Muggles do."
"I know but it still seems like so much pressure to decide right now what the rest of my life will be."
"That's because you are high strung like that."
"Am not."
"You know you are."
Liannah nods again, saying nothing. Jasper is right. She can be a little high strung about certain things, especially those things she feels stressed or pressured about. She wasn't always as bad. Some days she thinks it's because of all the anxieties she had with the Nons issue and being sent to Happy Haven, having no idea if she'd ever seen certain members of her family again or even whether she'd live to walk out of Happy Haven. Other days she chalks it up to being a Ravenclaw and having a need to make high marks. Could be she'd have become a little high strung no matter what.
Spotting Professor McGonagall, Liannah tells Jasper, "I'll be right back. I'm going to double check about Alchemy counting as one of the seven or not."
Jasper snickers. "I don't know why you need to know because you being you, you're going to end up with more than seven courses anyway."
Sitting back down, Liannah concedes his point. "You're right. I'll probably sign up for everything I have now, including Fitness and Athletics again, and also take Alchemy."
"And Muggle Studies and Care of Magical Creatures, just because you can."
Knowing he once again speaks the truth, Liannah says the only think she can think of as a reply. "Oh, do shut up."
Jasper smiles, stands, pantomimes getting a drink and begins to walk away. Acknowledging Liannah with a backwards wave when she calls after him, "Get me something to drink as well."
Alone for the moment Liannah tries to imagine what her life will be like in the fall if she were to take every course currently being offered. Smiling ruefully at herself, knowing it would be a difficult schedule but as she has no love life and she doesn't mind studying, Liannah believes she could handle it. Now, if she can only narrow down the list of careers she finds appealing.
(Mockridge Townhouse) A Day of Leisure… And Memory
Author: Kirley Mockridge
Date: 05-04-14 05:19
'Death in Ministry custody', blared the headline, 'Is the Ministry doing enough?' Cassandra frowned slightly as she read through the latest edition of the Prophet.
'French national, Camille Revanche, aged 26, was found in a cell at the Ministry of Magic last Christmas Eve. She was transported to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Sources inform us that her injuries were grievous.'
'Mlle. Revanche, who held the position of liaison between the British and French Ministries and who came from an old and illustrious Wizarding family, had been taken in for questioning with regard to what a Ministry source described as 'suspicious incidents'. We are told that an investigation was carried out. However, it is still uncertain how the murderer was able to enter the Ministry's cells and kill the victim in what was a shocking lapse in security.'
With what Cassandra suspected was deliberate placement, the next article was a report following up the victims of the Death Eater attack on Madame Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade. Someone at the Prophet appeared to have it in for the Ministry.
She turned the page and winced. 'Missing Potions Master: Is He Still Alive?' she read. 'Horace Slughorn, former Potions Master at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, was reported missing at the beginning of September 2006. His living quarters were reported at the time as being found in disarray with dragon's blood splattered on the ceiling and walls. Since then, nothing has been heard of Slughorn and it is uncertain whether or not he is even still alive. Nephele Mockridge, his former apprentice and alleged first on the scene was unavailable for comment yesterday.'
"Oh dear, Nephele is not going to be happy," Cassandra said.
Kirley eyed the paper and considered incinerating it. "No, she's not. I may not need to worry about the leak investigation, though honestly, every time we think we've got it, something like this happens. Nephele is likely to take a rather Parkinson stance. Which means I may need to bail her out at some point. I'd best start revising that list for Kingsley of reasons my sister should be pardoned for using dangerous hexes on reporters..."
"And put Zabini on stand by," his wife replied dryly. "Although, if he reads the Prophet, he may not need the warning. He's familiar enough with the reactions of female members of the Parkinson clan after all."
"Zabini's always on stand by. It's in the contract he and Pansy signed when they finalized their engagement," Kirley remarked. He had broken tradition himself, not using any type of contract or agreement before marrying Cass. "Thankfully, we get a family discount."
A small smile crossed her face. "I would presume he would know better than to try to bankrupt family with his fees," she said.
She placed the paper down on the table. "Melodrama and innuendo notwithstanding, the Prophet does unfortunately have a point. Slughorn is still missing, Revanche was killed in Ministry custody and we have seen more and more attacks by what appear to be Death Eaters in the last year or two. I doubt the Hogsmeade incident will be the last one. Yet the Aurors don't seem to have apprehended anyone. In fact, they're releasing more people if anything; wasn't there something about Crabbe and Goyle not so long ago?"
Kirley nodded. "Wycombe got them out, I think. I don't know how he's doing it, Blaise said those two were lost causes." He shook his head. "I'm glad Mother's at Hogwarts. I know she supported Voldemort, at least in some ways, but she's mellowed now. She still believes purebloods are superior, but she doesn't think causing mayhem is the way to go. I think losing Alistair changed her in a lot of ways." He turned thoughtful, wondering if it really was coming back. Would Valeria now have to grow up to make the same choice that he and Nephele had faced? That had taken her parents' lives?
She reached out to cover his hand with hers. "It would change anyone," she said quietly. Her own family had held similar views to Cloris, but she couldn't imagine her parents joining in with things like the attack on the tea shop. They'd view it as tacky and beneath them. Callandra, on the other hand, Cass had to admit that she know longer knew how she would react.
"I think Lucius Malfoy's defection helped as well. Mother's always been fond of him, and valued his opinion," he said quietly. "It was too late then though, Alistair had already taken the mark, and there's not really any going back from that," Kirley said quietly. He didn't talk much about his brother, it was too raw and painful even years later.
His wife nodded. "Some steps are irrevocable," she agreed. Kirley didn't say anything, he just got up and wrapped his arms around his wife from behind, burying his nose in her hair and breathing deeply, letting the love from now ease the pain that lingered from the past.