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Candied Stupor
Author: Errol
Date: 07-09-12 17:27
Convinced that the Hogwarts Easter Egg Hunt eggs with their prizes are the best things ever, Errol is splayed out on the grass in a candied stupor. For someone who's had to rely on the kindness of roommates and Megara for anything with sugar not served at meals or in the common commons, with the exception of candy handed out here and there at times such as Halloween and Valentines, the eggs with candy are nearly as good as those with other prizes.
A shadow cuts into the sun warming his face. "Hello, Megara."
"I wondered where you'd gotten off to. My parents just left. My mum said to tell you if you're uncle will let you come to our house for spring hol, she'll fatten you up."
"Thank you, but I don't need fattening up. Good as the food is here, much better than my old school, it would be nice to have some home cooking, not that Uncle Ross would ever agree to let me go. No, I am stuck here until school ends and then I have no idea what's in store. Maybe if he'd actually write again and answer a few questions."
Reaching for another of the foil wrapped rabbits that had come from an egg that had looked as though it were wrapped in dark green foil, Errol asks as he takes the foil off, "Where's your loot?"
"I took a bunch to my room. Sure makes carrying this basket around a lot easier."
"Also gives room for more eggs," he says around a mouthful of smooth, rich chocolate shell around creamy, gooey caramel.
"That too." Megara agrees with a laugh, moving to sit cross legged on the ground beside him. "I had my thrill of the day when Deak Bennett and I touched hands when reaching for the same egg and then he let me have the egg even though he was clearly the winner. One day soon he's going to decide he needs another girlfriend and will think of me."
Errol starts to say something but Megara's fist lands on his stomach. Not hard, but definitely attention getting. "Don't you dare say anything to spoil my dream," she warns.
"Wouldn't dream of it. What's the best egg prize you've gotten so far?"
"It's a tie between a three day trip courtesy of TerrorTours and a pair of designer shoes from McBloom and McMuck that I've long had my eye on that would have taken me ages to save up for. I really lucked out on those. What about you?"
"Well, there are the concert tickets I doubt I'll be able to use so I'd have to say a gift certificate to Krum's Completely Quidditch that I can use through mail order, a really cool wizard's chess set with magical creatures for the pieces, and snorkeling gear. I can use that in the lake unless the water stays too cold and there's the castle pool and maybe even the one at Professor Miller's Muggle Studies place if I can get permission. When learning about that place Uncle Ross was convinced I'd better be able to ditch and run off."
"One of these days you'll be able to use the gear somewhere else."
"Yeah, the bathtub at home, if that's where I'll be grounded for the summer. Hey, don't eat my candy. You've got loads of your own."
"Back in my room. I'll give you two pieces for this one."
"As you've already put your mouth on it, two of your pieces is a fair exchange."
"More than fair and you know it."
Megara suddenly jumps up and runs over to a flower bed. Coming back to sit down she's waggling a tricolored egg. "I would swear this wasn't there before."
"Yeah, I don't remember there being any left over there."
"You think maybe the House Elves have some of the eggs set to only appear after a certain amount of time so that late comers are guaranteed at least a few eggs?"
"Dunno, maybe so. Going to open that one now?"
"Yeah, I think I will but first, go over there and see if there are any more."
"But I'm comfortable."
"You are also ticklish and I have excellent access to your stomach."
Errol grumbles at Megara but gets up anyway. When he returns, he's got three more eggs. After tossing her one he resumes his sprawl on the grass, debating which of the two eggs he now holds to open first as she opens the tricolored one. Sitting up on his elbows at her high pitched happy squeal, he asks, "What is it?"
"Jewelry from Amber's."
At Errol's blank look Megara elaborates. "Amber's is a really brilliant jewelry shoppe in Diagon Alley. See what I got?" A pair of earrings are shoved into Errol's face.
He looks crossed at them before giving her hand a light push away. "Nice."
"You open one now."
He holds up his two newest eggs. "Which?"
"The polka dotted one."
Placing the other in the basket provided by the school, Errol takes firm hold of each end of the red egg with white dots and pulls. What looks like a doll sized guitar drops out then slowly starts growing. When the growth stops, Errol has a human sized, sleek red with white detailing guitar.
Errol's so busy checking it out that he doesn't notice there's something else. Megara picks up a book. "This is with it. Looks like it's songs with a how to on playing each if you don't know how already."
"Cool! I can play a little but the book will be a huge help. Thanks for making me go look for more eggs over there. I guess you don't have to give me two pieces of candy after all."
Megara laughs, "You're welcome, but you can still have the candy. Come on then, let's have a song."
Errol, frowning in concentration, does a little tuning then plays one of the few, very short, songs he knows by heart.
A Break from Patrolling the Grounds
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 07-09-12 18:08
Professor McGonagall narrowed her eyes ever-so-slightly when Miss Flaversham and her family came into view. Earlier in the morning, she had discovered Miss Flaversham and Mr. Crane displaying their affection in a most inappropriate manner. Professor McGonagall understood that teenagers often had difficulty controlling their hormones, especially when love was in the air, but she felt that students at their age ought to know how to behave in public.
What made matters worse was the fact that guests were at Hogwarts today, including impressionable, young children.
The Flavershams passed from view, followed by the family Crane.
Professor McGonagall turned to continue her partrolling of the grounds when she heard somebody call out to her.
"Great Aunt! Over here!"
She followed the sound of the voice and soon saw Madoc waving to her. He was with his parents, Myron and Cate, and his little brother Malden, who would be starting at Hogwarts in the fall. She joined them where they had a picnic blanket set up and a couple of lawn chairs. Myron immediately got up from his and offered it to his aunt.
"Thank you," she said, easing into it. She had been on her feet for hours.
"We saw you several times earlier," Madoc said, "but you always looked busy or angry about something."
"Madoc!" Cate scolded.
"What?" he asked his mother.
Minerva smiled. "You're right. I have been rather busy, but I see you have too," she added, eyeing his overflowing Easter basket. His was bright orange. Malden's, on the other hand, was dark blue and not nearly as full.
"Oh, yeah," Madoc boasted. "I found A LOT. Got some wicked prizes too."
"I'm glad to hear it," Minerva said. She turned to the youngest McGonagall present. "And you, Malden?" He had chocolate on his face.
"My favorite ones are the chocolate eggs," he said.
"Yes, and you've had far too many of those," Cate told him, wiping his face with a paper napkin. He struggled from her grasp, being just old enough to feel embarrassed by his mother's attention.
"What should we do now?" Madoc asked his family.
"I'm content just to sit for a while," Minerva replied. She then nudged Malden and pointed at a tuft of grass not too far away. Nestled there was a solid green egg that blended in with its surroundings. Malden grinned and got up before his older brother could figure out what he was up to, and returned a few moments later with the green egg clasped triumphantly in his hand.
Sleepy Children
Author: Sirius Padfoot Black
Date: 07-09-12 19:31
After a few hours of non-stop motion hunting for eggs Mira and James are curled around their Easter baskets taking the naps, neither had wanted to take, protesting they weren't tired even as they were finding it increasingly difficult to keep their eyelids up. Zaria has also just fallen asleep, leaving Drucilla and Sirius one of those rare moments in daylight hours that they are together and none of their children are in need of attention. Sitting together at a corner of the blanker where they can both keep watch over their slumbering children while talking and getting in some lunch that does not involve little hands reaching for food off Mummy's and Daddy's plates or little voices asking for a bite of this or of that.
The tote subbing for a picnic basket is nearer to Dru and she leans over to grab apple juice to refill both their cups. "I can't believe I almost forgot this," she says holding up a letter. "It came just as we were getting ready to leave the house, the twins running around all excited, so I dropped it in the inside pocket of the tote. It's from my Uncle Desislav."
Taking the apple juice from her so she might open the letter Sirius asks, "That's the one in Varna?"
"Near there, yes." Dru rapidly scans the letter a sigh escaping her lips. "He's not seen or heard from Vasilka since early last year."
"You've still got a extended family you've not heard from so there's still a chance we'll get lucky soon."
"I hope so. I can't tell you how much I want to be able to go to Kingsley with information on where she is."
Sirius puts an arm around Dru, hugging her. "I know, but the main thing is she has no reason to continue her harassment. She has stopped, right?"
"I would have told you if she'd sent something else."
Still fresh for them both is that day in late February when, the same day after returning home from the confrontation with her cousin, when the children were deeply sleeping in their beds, Drucilla sat Sirius down to tell him everything, from the letters to the dark past Vasilka revealed but that Dru has no memory of. She'd been edgy with fear that he'd order her gone from their home, out of his life and away from their children. She could not have blamed him if he had.
Sirius had gathered her to him, talking in a soothing voice, assuring her that all that was most definitely in the past. Dru voice concern about him being able to trust her knowing now why they'd even met in the first place. Sirius admitted he had been angry hearing his wife pour out her story but he'd kept it in check so that she would continue saying all that needed to be said. Seeing the fear in her eyes, he knew she was either a far superior actress than anyone had ever given her credit for or she truly was afraid that hearing who she'd been would cause Sirius to hate her, ripping their family apart.
Since that day when whatever it was that happened to affect her memory and her self awareness of who she was, of working for Voldemort, even of why a part Veela would willing follow someone with a pureblood bent, Drucilla has worked for the greater good, even going under cover to assist the Order of the Phoenix. What a row they'd had about that, Sirius not wanting to put his wife in direct danger, while Dru vehemently put her foot down, insisting she WOULD help, no matter the danger, just like everyone else. She'd put her heart and soul into the fight. Sirius has no doubt of that. None of that was an act. He has no reason now to hold against her a persona and actions she has no memory of.
They'd talked long into the night, their marriage the stronger for it. The next day they'd contacted Kingsley Shacklebolt to arrange a meeting so that they could get the might of the Ministry assisting them if possible and they'd called a meeting of the Order to get ideas and suggestions from members. A few were skeptical about Dru's sincerity and veracity but others reminded them all of Severus Snape and his well remembered past. That shut everyone up but Dru still volunteered to take Veritaserum so that the silent doubters could put their minds at ease.
Dru provided them with a photo of Vasilka and the search has been on ever since. She'd vacated that farmhouse, which turned out to be in rural northern Germany and left no clues as to where she might go from there. Dru and Sirius have written many in her family and many of the friends Vasilka and she had growing up but as yet, none have had any contact with her, or none at least that any will admit.
Dru returns Sirius's hug then folds the letter back up to return to the tote. "I refuse to be even a little depressed today. It's too nice and, though the twins have run us ragged, I've had fun."
"Today has been a great day," Sirius agrees, dropping a kiss on Dru's lips. Looking at the sleeping twins he asks, "Do you think if I move very carefully, I can get a couple of pieces of that chocolate on top of Mira's basket and have her not wake up?"
Dru gives a throaty chuckle. "Not a chance."
Hodfuffers In The Hunt (Assorted Cousins)
Author: Phinfilius
Date: 07-10-12 13:15
Glori Hodfuffer, Hydrangea Marchbanks, Flora Dalton, and Calliope Quinn sit in a loose square on top of a tatty old blanket Glori packed in her school trunk for just such ocassions as sitting on the ground on a day nice enough to be outside for hours on end. That today is an egg hunt in which every egg is guaranteed to contain a goodie, ranging from simple sweets to posh prizes has made the sunny day all the more enjoyable. The four girls have opened some of their eggs, appropriately ooohing and ahhhhing over each, particularly when a prize is designer clothing or glittery jewelry. Garnering quite a few laughs was the extremely silly, fun at Hydrangea got in a somewhat plain beige colored egg. The hat looks like Hogwarts's giant squid, complete with suckered tentacles waving freely about. They've all taken turns wearing it and several of the boys have stopped to give it a look, envy obvious in their gazes.
Of the goodies she's garnered so far, Glori's favorite is a pair of trainers, which she could have be either pink with black trim or blue with gray trim (she chose pink), with wheels in the heels. Someone told her they are modeled after Muggle sneakers that some call Heelys but these are better because they will work equally well on grass as on floors or smooth pathways. They're going to take some practicing using but Hydrangea is sure she'll be whipping around in them in no time.
Just down a gentle roll Wiggy Hodfuffer is eating a handful of malted chocolates while thinking yet again that as someone who should be a seventh year and as a professional Quidditch player, he really shouldn't care much about something as childish as hunting for decorated Easter eggs. That he has not only cared but had a blast hunting for the eggs competing with his best mates to see who collected the most and now seeing who's getting the best loot from those eggs does not make him feel the least bit immature.
Like his cousin Wiggy found one of those silly hats in a pale orange egg with darker orange striping. He's wearing it now, but unlike Hydrangea's, Wiggy's is a venomous tentacula with waving tendrils that keep reaching out trying to grab whatever is nearest. Good thing the spiky dark red vines are a spongy material that tickles more than anything else.
Meanwhile, Baron Marchbanks, a younger brother of Hydrangea, is continuing the hunt for eggs. The second year Slytherin has been too busy searching for more to stop and open any. That can come later after the Hogwarts Easter Egg Hunt comes to an end. The only time Baron has stopped looking for more decorated eggs to add to his so darkly purple as to appear black basket has been to eat and to answer nature's call. Unless he finds a more fascinating egg between now and having to stop searching, Baron already knows the first egg he's opening is an ostrich sized egg in silver and emerald to catch any Slytherin's eye. He knows the size does not reflect how great or grand the prize is it holds. His decision to open it first is simply because the size with the bold Slytherin House colors captured his attention and as he added it to his basket, he decided then and there it would be the first he cracks. Once Baron's made up his mind about something, he's rarely swayed from his chosen course of action.
The other Hodfuffer cousin currently in attendance at Hogwarts is still with his best friend Caerwyn. Augustus, who only ever gets called at school to distinguish him from well known Gus Van Tassel or because a professor is singling him out for something, is biting the ears of a chocolate bunny, not feeling the least bit guilty that those ears are waving around while the bunny's nose and whiskers do that twitching thing everyone finds so cute. As the bunny is not a real one, and as a child whose grown up eating sweets that often seem to have life, Gus happily chomps off the bunny's ears, savoring the velvety smoothness of the milk chocolate. Adding to the gustatory delight is a creamy hazelnut filling.
Gus is wearing a t-shirt he got in one egg, the one Charlotte Stratford had earlier picked out for him to open. He'd changed into it because it bears the image of his cousin Wiggersmythe on a broom, wearing Puddlemere United colors. He'd run into Wiggy earlier who'd laughed at seeing himself then joked about charging Gus to autograph it for him.
Along with the t-shirt the egg had contained passes to this summer's Quidditch Con. Gus is really excited about that and can't wait to attend. Wiggy could probably have gotten him passes but he's pretty sure professional players are limited in how many such passes they can get and that's only if they are participating in Quidditch Con in some way. He not going to put Wiggy on the spot like that.
Taking another bite of the hazelnut cream filled chocolate bunny, Gus simply nots when Caerwyn asks, "Ready to get some real snacks?"
They turn in the direction Briar Rose has her picnic blanket spread, over in the area set aside for the little kids to hunt eggs, Gus already thinking about having another of the bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches Briar brought today.
Flying Eggs
Author: Celeste Quigley
Date: 07-10-12 13:45
"Eugene enough of eggs! Leave them for the children."
With a sigh Eugene dropped the egg he was about to open. He had a disappointed expression in his face but that changed when Celeste picked the egg he had dropped and used her wand to make it levitate. A little girl was passing by and started chasing the egg, giggling. After a while Celeste let the girl catch the egg. She opened it with delight and ate the chocolate inside.
"See? It's more fun this way," she told her husband.
He nodded and gave himself a try. This time two boys ran after Eugene's egg. One of them caught it and his brother was about to cry because he didn't have an egg when Celeste made one fly in his direction. The two boys walked away with their eggs, happy.
Eugene turned his face to Celeste and smiled.
"You're so good with children…"
"Eugene, please don't start," Celeste begged. It was a sunny day and everyone was having fun. She didn't want to start a fight with her husband today.
"We will have to discuss this eventually. You can't avoid this topic forever, Celeste."
"I told you that we can talk after the O.W.Ls and the N.E.W.Ts. During the summer we will have plenty of time for this."
Eugene seemed to reflect a bit, but he ended up to agree. Relieved she was able to relax again in her chair. After a moment of silence Eugene offered to go and fetch them some butter beer. Celeste thanked him and as she waited she could not help to think about this whole children issue. They had never agreed to this in the first place. None of them wanted it. But then again there had been many things they didn't want in the first place and things ended up to change. She was not ready to have children, but she wondered if she would lose Eugene because of that. She also thought that maybe she was being selfish. She loved him and after everything he done for her this was the least she could do for him. Children were not a bad thing after all.
Eugene returned with the butter beers and Celeste decided to shove away all her worries for now.
"Ready to make some more eggs fly?" Eugene asked with his irresistible smile that she liked so much, his wand already ready.
Celeste smiled back at him, picked up her wand, pointed to one of the eggs in the basket nearby and exclaimed:
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
Hot Hot (Callie, Hope, Katheryn, & Marion)
Author: Saffron
Date: 07-10-12 17:24
Best friends practically since their mums were pregnant with them, Marion DeMarco, Katheryn Finch, Hope Hyland, and Callie Blackwell have found that it's not easy spending as much time together as they'd like now that they are at Hogwarts, especially since only Katheryn and Hope were sorted into the same house. Their friendship is as strong as ever despite being in different houses and not having the exact same class schedules. When they get to spend time together like they have today, all of that seems incidental.
Their families all came earlier in the day, and though they will get to see everyone soon for Easter holiday, all four girls were excited and happy to have their parents and younger siblings in attendance. Hope, Callie, Marion, and Katheryn did some egg hunting on their own before the time their parents were due to start arriving and after that they split time hunting for more eggs with helping their little brothers and sister collect eggs, and spending time with their parents.
Professors Saffron Sacheverelle and Aaron Miller joined them for awhile as well, their children Niccola and Brandon having fun with the other small children. Marion still hasn't decided if having her godmother a teacher at her school is a good thing or not. So far, it's not been that bad but that could be because so far, Marion's never been in any major trouble.
Now that their families have gone, the four friends are enjoying what's left of the sunshine. Callie leans back on the palms of her heads, head titled up, eyes closed. "I wish it were sunnier more often. And warmer."
Katheryn asks only half jokingly, "Why couldn't Hogwarts have been located on a tropical island?"
"You know, last year most everyone got to visit other schools for some months long Quidditch tournament. Aunt Saffron said they visited a school in the Amazon jungle. How could would that have been?" Marion says with a hint of wistfulness in her voice.
Joining in the wishful musing Hope sighs dreamily. "Being able to work on tans or swim in a warm lagoon in between classes would be heavenly. Everyone would jokingly call the school Hotwarts."
Katheryn nods as if being able to picture it. "I'd learn how to do a quick dry spell first thing so I could wait until the last minute before having to throw my uniform back on over my bathing suit and hurry to my next class."
"Maybe we should find where schools in warm locations with tropical lagoons are located and transfer. I bet there's a listing of some sort in the library of wizarding schools around the world."
"Excellent idea, Callie," Marion agrees. "We'll have to go look after supper. Until then, let's finish opening our eggs."
Attention back on the unopened eggs in their baskets, the girls get busy, eager to see who's gotten what.
Tired, Sleepy, and Ready For Real Food (Alastor, Daniel, Eden)
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 07-10-12 19:49
Relaxing in a lawn chair left for him by his parents, Daniel Gelson is attempting to solve a color block wooden puzzle that was a prize on one of the eggs he collected today. The way his stomach is starting to rumble for something other than chocolates and other sweets, he will pack up soon to deposit lawn chair, basket with a few eggs left to open, candy, and assorted prizes in Ravenclaw dorm room.
Across from him on the grass Alastor Jenkins is half asleep. Only half because his little sister Eden is buzzing around him. "Daddy said he gave you money and for you to give me some."
"Come on. Give it over."
"I'm going to tell Mummy if you don't."
"Aaaal uuuuuuuh stoooor! Giiiiive it! It's need to do an owl order."
Cracking one eye just a slit he finally acknowledges her presence. "What do you need to order?"
"Ink and some parchment."
"So if I give you ink and parchment at supper, you'll let me keep the money?"
"Yeah, as long as it's enough of both."
Alastor waves a hand in the vague direction where sounds of others laughing and talking come. "Be off with you then. I will bring you ink and plenty of parchment."
Sounding much less whiny, Eden flashes a smile. "Thanks!" before dashing off though in which direction Alastor has no idea because both eyes are shut again. He thinks he could very easily go to bed right after dinner and fall asleep immediately. Unfortunately, because he spent the day in pursuit of prize filled eggs, Alastor still has homework to do for tomorrow and studying for the several exams slated for this last week of classes before the holiday begins.
"I'm going in," Daniel's voice cuts through Alastor's half stupor.
"If I can get up, I'll come with you."
Forcing his eyelids up again, he finds Daniel's hand thrust at him, offering to help him up. Once on his feet, Alastor gathers his things as Daniel suggests, "Let's carrying the chair folded between us with our stuff piled on top."
"Good idea."
A few minutes later they make the trek to Ravenclaw House, depositing Alastor's things in his 5th year dormitory before he helps Daniel get the rest of the stuff to the 6th year boys dorm.