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Helpless
Author: Thessily
Date: 03-10-07 07:09
“Thessily…” I heard my name called as I drifted in and out of reality. “Thessily, Don’t let him win.” The voice whispered softly in my ear, as the world spun around me in a deep void of black. “ Remember dear, you are not only part of the Blackthorn family but also a Lambeti. Part of a wizarding family known for their courage and bravery.” Now I was certain it was my mother’s voice I could hear. But I wasn’t sure how. My mother was dead. Dead.
I slowly opened my eyes to only feel pain shoot through them. Unbelievable pain, and I screamed shutting them instantly. Oh no. What happened while I was out? I wondered now panicking desperately. Why did it hurt to see. That shouldn’t be happening.
Closing my eyes tightly, I slowly opened them again. This time, though it hurt to see, I kept them open. And gradually the pain stopped. I stared. Could I stop the pain that was seething through my body like needles crawling in my skin? Or was it that I had become so used to pain in the past few days that it didn’t bother me anymore? I felt tears stream down my face. What had this man done to me? I wondered.
I couldn’t really remember much of the past few days. Actually, it was more like I was trying to block it out. I was pretending that this was a bad dream. Yes, that was all it was. A bad dream that I would sooner or later I would wake up from it.
“Thessily.” The voice whispered again in my ears.” Thessily.” I looked around but, didn’t see anyone. I didn’t even see my captor. My captor wasn’t around? I stared even more around the room. To make sure he wasn’t around.
Escape. I thought as I tried for the millionth time to reach my wand which was still in my cloak pocket it. If I could just get to it, then I could escape. But as I reached for the wand, I screamed in pain remembering that my hands and fingers where broken.
I felt frustrated tears stream down my face, and leaned back in the chair. In the past days, my captor had inflicted every kind of pain on me you could think of. And I hadn’t done anything to deserve it. I wonder what horrible thing my aunt had done to him, to make him want to hurt me so much? And I wondered if my aunt and uncle noticed that I was gone yet. Why hadn’t they come to find me? I was fairly certain this cabin was near the mansion.
What was even more frustrating then the fact that for once my captor was no where to be found, was that I couldn’t escape. I cried because of that. He was winning. There wasn’t anything I could do about it. I felt so helpless. I hated that feeling.
Easter Sunday
Author: Carys
Date: 03-10-07 07:47
McMerlin's didn't close for Easter. McMerlin's didn't close for anything, not even Christmas. A McMerlin's franchise would have to crumble to the ground before it wouldn't open for business. Fortunately, Carys had an hour of free time before her shift was slated to begin at the McMerlin's in Cardiff. She wanted to spend as much time as possible with Tristan on this, his very first Easter.
Carys had asked Griff if he would like to spend some of the day with his son, and Griff had readily agreed. Carys would miss most, if not all of Griff's visit, but she didn't mind. She felt well enough about him to allow him to see his son, but she didn't consider him a friend. In all honestly, however, she'd have much preferred to partake in his company than flip burgers at McMerlin's.
With some of the money she'd earned from her low-paying job, Carys had purchased Tristan a small, white Easter bunny stuffed animal. It had button-eyes and a pink nose and mouth that had been stiched with string. The bunny wore a simple blue bow around its neck.
Mairwen had woven Tristan a yellow baby blanket, which he immediately, albeit clumsily, draped around the bunny like a baby. Alun had fixed boiled eggs, home-made bread with jam and cream cheese, and glasses of orange juice and chocolate milk.
In the living room, perched on the mantle over the fireplace, were both Homer and Mon Chéri, Jean's owl, who'd joined Carys' household after her father had gone to prison. The birds hooted softly and closed their eyes to narrow slits, half-napping where they sat.
All in all, it was a peaceful morning in the Hanham household. Carys, who'd had such a turbulent young life, basked in the family time, hoping everyday from this day forward would be as lovely, if not more so.
New Home
Author: Gigi Martini
Date: 03-10-07 08:03
Geoffrey had purchased the little house on the West Lane after he and Gigi had gone to look at it. It was a one-storey, four bedroom home with two full baths and a half bath, too. Both the front and back yards were ample in size, providing plenty of room for rambunctious boys to play.
After purchasing the home, Geoffrey and Gigi started out by doing some upkeep on the home. They painted some of the rooms, polished the wooden kitchen and bathroom counters, and cleaned every nook and cranny. Then, they started moving things into the house.
By Easter, they'd fully moved in to their new home. The flat over the Hogsmeade Branch Library was empty. Perhaps it could be renovated to make the library bigger. It would never be as new and impressive as the Diagon Alley Branch, but it could certainly benefit from more space.
Gigi sat on a chair on the patio in her new backyard and watched as Gerry went around the backyard with an Easter basket in hand and hunted down the eggs that were hidden in planters and behind trees. Geoffrey helped little Gareth, who also had a little basket and had already snacked on a chocolate egg. The leftovers were all over his face.
Easter was one day the library didn't open. Gigi knew that everyone on staff would much rather spend time with their family on Easter, and she figured most of the library's usual customers would be doing the same. Still, she couldn't help but think of some of the things she needed to accomplish next week. It was nearing the time to post the information for the summer internship she'd offered the past two years.
She'd also heard that the Diagon Alley Branch would be offering a similar position, which meant that two lucky applicants would get to experience summer at the library, when it was traditionally at its busiest. This year proved to be more busy with the inception of the new summer reading program and the various events both branches would be offering.
Gerry came running up to Gigi and presented his mummy with his basket. "Look what I found!" he exclaimed.
"You found a lot! Did you save some for your brother?"
Gerry looked sheepishly at his mother and then grinned. "I'll help him find what's left."
Then he scrambled off and took Gareth's basket, causing Gareth to start crying.
"I'm going to help you," Gerry said, trying to get Gareth to understand, but Gareth didn't.
In the end, Gerry gave the basket back to Gareth and skulked off to look at his treasures, while Geoffrey and Gareth hunted down the remaining Easter eggs hidden in the backyard.
Death in the Family
Author: Anthony Beck
Date: 03-10-07 08:23
As the Beck family sat down to breakfast on Easter morning, an owl arrived at their Manchester home bearing very grave news. Anthony went to the window to get the mail and read the letter, which had been addressed to the entire family, aloud at the table. Katherine had written to say that her mother had died late last night. Margaret had come from New York to visit her daughter for Easter.
Evidently, Margaret had been in the shower when she suffered a brain aneurysm. Katherine, realizing her mother had been in the shower for a long time, went to check on her and found Margaret prone in the tub. She'd immediately tried to revive her mother and when that failed, she flooed straight to St. Mungo's. A team of mediwizards came back with Katherine mere moments later and pronounced Margaret dead on the scene.
It was only this morning that the cause of death had been determined. Katherine would have written sooner, but she'd had a lot to deal with and hadn't had a moment to sit down until only a little while ago.
The Becks, especially Anthony, were very saddened by the news of Margaret's sudden death. Even though they hadn't known her very well and that she'd essentially been the other woman in Tobias Beck's life, they grieved for Margaret. They grieved for Katherine, too, who'd lost the most important person in her life.
Breakfast was abandoned. The Becks flooed one by one to St. Mungo's, where they found Katherine sitting outside the morgue, filling out paperwork. Margaret would not be buried in New York, where she'd lived for nearly 20 years. She would be buried in London next to her parents.
Anthony was the first to hug Katherine. Her eyes were swollen and red but it looked as if she hadn't cried in hours. As soon as she saw her family, however, she burst into a new round of tears.
"There, there," Josefine said, moving in to hug Katherine next. "You are not alone. You still have family who love you and will care for you."
"When you are finished here, you will come home with us. We have Easter breakfast waiting for you," Tobias added tenderly.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Anthony asked.
Katherine shook her head. "All I need to do is finish filling out this paperwork and then we can go. I just want to go."
Anthony nodded and sat down next to her. The rest of the family crowded around, some going to get coffee, while Katherine finished filling out the paperwork on her mother. When she finished, Anthony gave it to the healer and then he helped Katherine up and kept an arm around her shoulders as they went to the nearest floo to go home.
Working
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 03-10-07 12:57
Grabbing dirty dishes off a table, Wiggy says quietly to Phin passing by, "I'd better get paid for this."
"You will," Phin confirms in an equally low voice.
Phin seats the two customers, takes their drink orders, then directs them to help themselves to the Easter Sunday brunch buffet. Wiggy and Phin will both get the equivalent of time and a half for working today. Still, Phin wishes his mother hadn't been set on having the special holiday brunch buffet. Working, even if on a very short shift, isn't how he would like to spend the day.
Phin gets the drink orders for the couple he just seated then returns to the spot where normally there is a host or hostess. Another couple has just walked in along with four kids. Seeing who it is Phin amends that. Two adults, one teenager, and three kids. Woody and Blythe Greene with the four Greens Emerald, Olive, Jade, and Hunter.
"Hi!" Phin greets them. "With the nice weather Mom has a table for you out in the garden."
Showing the Greene-Green party to the table their reserved table, Phin gets their drink orders, then when all but Emerald have gone in to help themselves to the brunch buffet, Phin takes that moment to kiss Emerald hello.
"You coming over later," she asks.
"Yeah, that's the plan."
"Good!" Emerald grins.
"Phin?"
"Just a sec, Mom," Phin replies, turning toward the open doors. To Emerald he says, "I'd best get this drink ordered filled and see what Mom wants."
Emerald nods and steps inside closely followed by Phin. Furnella is standing near the door and after saying hello to Emerald she tells Phin, "Gran and Papa are here. After you go say hello would you get the bowl of soup from the kitchen we'd set aside for Papa?"
"Yes, ma'am. Want me to do a quick walk by down the buffet tables to see what needs replenishing?"
"No, I'll do it but thanks for offering."
Phin smiles then goes first to get this newest drink order filled before getting his grandfather's soup and going to tell his grandparents hello. On his way to the kitchen Phin passes Wiggy bussing another table. "Gran and Papa are here."
"Yeah, I want to get this table cleared since I'm halfway done and then I'll go see if they brought Easter gifts."
"You know they did," Phin laughs. "And you know it's money inside a toy egg and a solid chocolate egg."
"Money and chocolate will do," Wiggy chuckles.
"I wasn't complaining," Phin grins. "An hour more and we can go off shift."
"And another hour or two after that before I stop pretending to be mad at my mum for volunteering me to work today."
Laughing again, Phin walks on into the kitchen.
Family At The Burrow
Author: Charlie Weasley
Date: 03-10-07 14:43
The triplets keep taking their eggs and rehiding them, partly to keep the other two from getting the eggs and partly because they think it's fun to help Schuyler find them again. By next year Little Arthur and Miranda will be in the thick of it with the other four. Younger son asleep against his shoulder, Charlie watches his older son giggling with delight at something Seth has just done.
Charlie looks over to see Penelope and Fleur watching the children playin, wistful expressions on their faces. From where he sits, Charlie can also see Bill. His brother is glancing back and forth from Fleur to the children, looking just as wistful. Charlie wonders if Bill and Fleur have given any thought to adoption. George and Maj certainly seem happier now that they are legally Miranda's parents.
Percy settles in the empty lawn chair next to Charlie. Unlike their father, Percy has retained his job at the Ministry. That fact has given Percy reason to lecture and say I told you so when it comes to his opinion that being associated with the Order would lead to nothing but trouble for them. Having had little time today so far to speak with Percy, Charlie decides to steer clear of asking Percy how work is going, knowing it will give Percy an excuse to start on another lecture.
Looking again to where Penelope stands then glancing over at Percy, Charlie says, "You and Penny will have been married a year this summer and have been together since you were still in Hogwarts. Have you talked about starting a family?"
Percy shifts in his seat to look more directly at Charlie. "Penny would have us already expecting a child but the timeline I've laid out doesn't allow for one until we've been married 2.6 years. That's at the earliest."
"This is the same timeline that had you persistently putting off the wedding?"
"An amended version. Penny's pushing as she did for us to get married forced me to revise it. I don't normally subscribe to giving in to ultimatums but I'd invested too much time with Penny to lose her simply because she was adament we get married sooner rather than later."
Percy starts prattling on about his revised timeline and how many children he and Penny will have once they do start having them. As Percy drones on Charlie finds himself envious of Little Arthur, wishing he too were fast asleep.
From St. Mungo's to the Burrow
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 03-11-07 07:02
Hermione had gone first to St. Mungo's to visit her father for Easter. While there, she even spoke to some of the healers and nurses on duty about his progress or lack thereof; it had been a long time since there'd been any change in Hermione's father, and now it looked as if it would take a miracle for him to wake up. Hermione often wondered what it would be like if he did wake. Would he be able to return to his old life, only having to adjust to the loss in time, or had his mind been severely damaged from the prolonged exposure to the Cruciatus Curse?
She left at St. Mungo's after an hour at her father's bedside and flooed to the Burrow, where the entire Weasley clan had gathered for Easter. Hermione said hello to everyone and then found Ron, who wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple.
"Happy Easter," he murmured.
"Happy Easter," she replied, equally softly.
Molly had set up the table outside, so that the family could keep a close eye on the children who frolicked in the grass, and so that they could all enjoy the fresh, spring air. It was still a little cool, but not so much that they were uncomfortable dining outside under the clear, blue sky. By the time Hermione had arrived at the Burrow, the table had been completely set. All that remained was getting the food from the kitchen.
Hermione offered to help Molly with that, extracting herself gently from Ron's arm with a promise to sit by him at the table. Ginny and Majandra also helped bring out the various dishes from the kitchen to the table. As soon as it was all outside, Molly declared brunch ready. The family gathered around the table, which was very, very long to accommodate the entire Weasley family and their guests, and tucked into the delcious meal before them.
Joining In At The Burrow
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 03-11-07 14:33
Sirius had dressed James in a nice spring-ish outfit but one that is fine for James to crawl around in and get dirty. Good thing too because when James and Sirius arrived at the Burrow, James crawled straight for where the triplets Larkin, Gideon, and Seth were entertaining Charlie's son Schuyler. It seemed as though in the space of one blink James went from squeaky clean and presentable to covered in dirt, grass, and smears of chocolate from some candy Gideon shared with James.
Sirius had let Dru know where James and he were going and made it clear she was invited too. She'd said she might show up. Sirius isn't going to hold his breath on that one. He does, however, hope that Remus will make an appearance. Molly said she extended him an invitation.
When lunch is ready, Sirius takes a spot at the long table, thinking it too bad Harry and Janine aren't back from Paris. He'll have to invite the to lunch or dinner one day this next week to hear all about their vacation.
Thoughts of that are put on hold when James, who'd been sitting with a toy near Sirius's chair, grabs hold of Sirius's clothes and levers himself into a standing position. Picking his son up, Sirius asks, "You want some applesauce, James?"
James swivels his head around to see where the applesauce is. Ginny passes the bowl of it to Sirius who then spoons some onto his plate. James cranes forward, wanting Sirius to hurry up.
"Is it his favorite?" Ginny asks.
"James likes applesauce but he LOVES pears and plums."
Hendrika, sitting just past Ginny volunteers, "I have some pears for Schuyler. James is welcome to have some."
Sirius accepts the offer, eating bites of the excellent meal in between feeding the mashed up fruits to James. After some vegetables as well, James is ready to accept his bottle and return with it to his toy, leaving Sirius more able to speak to join the adult conversation going on around him.
At Hogwarts Over Break
Author: Bailey
Date: 03-11-07 15:21
Bailey throws one stick then another. Ares and Fang take off after their respective sticks, each bounding back with stick in mouth and tail wagging. Patting the crup and the dog on their heads, Bailey informs them, "We've been at this nearly an hour now. I'm pretty sure lunch is being served so I'd better get to the Great Hall if I want any.
The two animals sit and stare at Bailey, disappointment in their eyes that he isn't throwing their sticks again. Bailey starts walking towards the castle and Ares trots along beside him for a little of the way. Ares suddenly bolts off, going back in Fang's direction. Bailey looks back and sees the Ares has decided it's more fun to run in circles around Fang than to follow Bailey back inside.
Bailey can't blame the crup for wanting to be outside. Bailey's spent more time outside this last week then in. If he'd been at home for the spring break he's probably spent it all outside there as well. Not that there was ever a chance of Bailey going home. Every year around Easter his parents go away on their own holiday, usually a different place every year.
When Hogwarts began allowing students to go home during the break, his parents still went on their trip, never once asking Bailey if he wanted to go along. Even though he's nearly 17, his parents also indicated they weren't thrilled with the idea of Bailey being home by himself. That's fine with Bailey since home isn't exactly his favorite place to be whether his parents are there or not. Sometimes, Bailey wonders why his parents bothered having a kid in the first place. He figures he was an accident.
Reaching the castle, Bailey goes in, his stomach grumbling to let him know it's eager for the special Easter lunch that's sure to be ready to eat by now. Bailey reminds himself that after he eats he needs to make a decision on whether to apply for an internship Professor McGonagall mentioned. He knows he's not the only one she's told and he knows there's only one slot open for the internship. Bailey's hestitation in getting the application filled out, along with getting letters from some of his professors, stems from his not being at all sure it's something he wants to do.
Entering the Great Hall, Bailey tells himself eat first, intership application decision after.
The Holiday's Almost Over
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 03-12-07 20:57
Coco drinks some of the non-alcoholic sangria that Mitzi made. It's just the right temperature of cold that it doesn't need ice and has little chunks of fruit the perfect size for spearing with a cocktail toothpick and munching on between sips of the beverage. Abe and Papa Wal are playing horseshoes and Mitzi is in a lawn lounger chair separated from Coco's by a small table. Mitzi and she are both reading while occassionally looking up to watch the men in their game. Pea's small frame is stretched across Coco's lap as the small dog dozes.
Mitzi puts her book down for a moment, watching as Abe beats Papa Wal making it two games won apiece. Turning her head she says to Coco, "It's always so nice having you home. This holiday of yours went by far too fast."
Coco smiles at the older woman, and with this being Mitzi Coco doesn't try as hard with her practice of speaking better. "Yeah, went by fast, didn't it. Oi wish we 'ad longer. Not long 'til summer 'oliday though there's the tests ta get through."
"What are they called again?"
"OWLs. Stands fer Hordinary Wizardin' Levels."
"They're like O levels and the others you'll take later on are like the A levels," Mitzi states more than asks.
"Roight. Wif the OWLs, the scores determine wot course Oi can take next year an' the one after. The NEWTs, those are Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests, help determine wot you can do after graduating."
Mitzi nods, takes a drink of her own sangria then comments, "I know they're not called O levels anymore. I'm just too old to start thinking of them as the GCSE*." Mitzi changes the topic to that of Coco's winged horse. "Will you be happy to see your horse again?"
"Of course, though it does mean not being 'ere wif you three. 'Agrid's taking good care of 'er and 'e was going to start making arrangements last week for 'er to go someplace fer the summer so Oi can visit and help wif 'azel's care. If 'e can't make the arrangements though 'agrid said 'e see ter 'er over the summer."
"That's very nice of him. As long as we're talking about school, are you all packed?"
"Yes, ma'am. Oi did hit this morning."
"You're leaving for London this evening?"
"Unless Papa Wal's changed the plans and wants to leave early in the morning to get me to London in time for the train."
Coco drinks the rest of her sangria while Mitzi and she talk a little more before going back to their books and watching the current game of horseshoes.
At The Wenlock Gathering
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 03-13-07 13:41
Coming to sit beside me at one of the patio tables, Saffron asks, "Ready for classes?"
"Yes and no. Lesson plans are done through the end of school, I'm nearly done with planning the trip for the 7th years, I like being busy but yet I have enjoyed all the down time with you."
"I have enjoyed that as well. Summer will be here soon enough."
"Given any thought to a vacation destination?"
Saffron shakes her head. "I can't decide on just one place. I've asked Sage and Deak their thoughts but they had different answers so that didn't help much," she laughs.
"Same with Drake. He suggested Australia. I was thinking Greek Islands."
"Sage said Eygpt, Deak said Muggle Washington DC or the Grand Canyon. I was thinking islands too but Caribbean," Saffron tells me.
My cousin Madeline and her husband Scott joins us, Scott saying, "Greece is great, especially the islands. Lots of lying around on beautiful beaches being utterly lazy."
"I don't know. Something Muggle sounds fun," Madeline comments.
"That's becausewe've never done something Muggle," Scott chuckles. "We should though. How about Muggle Paris in two weeks when the kids are at my parents?"
I give Madeline an encouraging look. "Paris in the spring is said to be very romantic. I can help you two with a list of things to see and do and how to get around while you're there. My mom could rattle it all off for you right now if you asked. She adores Paris."
Scott smiles from ear to ear. "That would be terrific of you, and your mum."
Saffron grins, "So when do I get to see Muggle Paris in the spring?"
"Next year?" I grin in reply. "Now, about this summer though..."
"Drake could visit Ophelia and the Darlings in Australia on his own if we want the family trip to be somewhere else," Saffron suggests.
"Something Sage and Deak would like as much as Drake would and that we'd also like. How about an African safari?"
Saffron leans towards me, delight lighting up her face. "THAT would be marvelous!"
Madeline, Scott, Saffron, and I continue talking places to see until we're told by Madeline's and Scott's youngest, Lauren, that we all must, must, must come see the Easter egg hunt.
Studying For NEWTs
Author: Fionna
Date: 03-13-07 14:42
On a blanket looking out over the lake, NEWT study materials spread out, Fionna remarks, "Sun will be going down soon."
On another blanket, close enough to Fionna's that the edges of the two are touching, Natalie MacDonald sighs. "It's been such a nice day, I hate to go back inside."
Fionna nods in agreement. It has been a very nice day. Surprisingly so given that Fionna very grudgingly agreed to study NEWTs today with Natalie last night at supper. A holiday spent at school with a non-Slytherin, and a Gryffindork at that, and it hasn't been an absolute bloody rubbish of a day. Aside from the Gryffindork thing, turns out Natalie's not half bad.
Not that Fionna has any long term plans for a friendship with Natalie.
Fionna hadn't thought to be at Hogwarts at all for spring holiday. She was going to work at Terrortours but with things still strained with her mother, Fionna wasn't about to stay at home. Basilia's was out of the question because the Broomshulls were away all week. Staying someplace like a hotel for a week would have eaten into the money she would have earned and Fionna wasn't about to go crawling to someone else begging a place to stay. Fionna had let Terrortours know she'd be ready to work the day after the Hogwarts Express runs at end of term.
Fionna had spent the week studying, reading, flying, and getting some time in relaxing and writing letters to friends she'd made during the SAT events. It came as a total surprise to her when at supper last night Natalie asked if Fionna would study NEWTs with her today. Having nothing better to do other than be lazy, Fionna had said yes.
If Basilia, Graham, or Malcolm ever find out, Fionna will deny she enjoyed the day other than the special meals made for Easter today. She'lll inform them that it was practical to have someone to help review certain things and with none of them there, and with Natalie doing the asking, it was a practical decision to make.
Yes, that's what she'll do. IF they ever find out that is.